SPECIALIZED
FORENSIC SERVICES
Two correction-based
treatment programs for women that focus on the new beginnings that are
possible after treatment for alcoholism or other drug dependence disorders.
These programs concentrate on the many legal problems associated with
substance dependency disorders as well as women's issues and other matters
and concerns specific to incarcerated women. Formerly called Genesis,
one of these programs recieved a 1997 Recognition Award for Excellence
from the Arizona Governor's Office for Excellence in Government. These
programs serves more than 200 women a year.
Screening
and Evaluation: Screening services are provided to individuals
identified by prison officials as candidates for the substance abuse
treatment program. The initial screening session includes an assessment
of the individual's problem areas and a determination of treatment need
and type. The complete screening and assessment includes the following
areas: compilation of demographic data; drinking /drug history; related
medical history; and family emotional, social and vocational histories.
A.S.A.M. (American Society on Addiction Medicine) criteria is used during
assessment as well as results of the S.A.S.S.I. (Substance Abuse Subtle
Screening Instrument) and A.U.P. (Alcohol Use Profile). Once determined
appropriate for treatment, a medical evaluation (to be provided by the
prison system),social- psychological history, participant commitment
/pre-treatment plan, and participant confidentiality and rights (in
accordance with DOC regulations ) review are completed along with the
program orientation.
90 Day Treatment
Continuum: Compass
Health Care provides a 90 day residential treatment program with two
dedicated case managers /counselors qualified in the addiction field.
These staff members participate in 16 hours of DOC Security Training
at SACRC. The program operates in 90 day block periods of time with
the same women beginning and ending the program together so that the
educational component can build on prior lessons. Services are provided
from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Each treatment day
begins with education and is followed by group and individual therapy
sessions. Individual therapy is scheduled on approximately a weekly
basis.
The Specialized
Forensic Services Program incorporates the Hazelden Substance Abuse
Curriculum for Offenders "A Design For Living"(84 modules),
with additional components including "Discovering Normal"
(a six module parenting program) and sessions designs to specifically
address "Women and Addictions", "Survival Skills for
Women" and "Relapse Prevention".
The "Design
for Living" curriculum includes substance abuse education, primary
treatment, and pre-and post-release /aftercare components. This curriculum
was selected because:
- It is corrections
specific-written to address the needs of substance offenders.
- The reading comprehensive
level is intended to be challenging , yet clear and understandable.
- Participant exercises
and worksheets monitor participant's progress continually.
- Assessment forms
assess and evaluate both participant's progress and program's effectiveness--cognitively
and behaviorally.
- It is non religious
and non exclusive yet maintains the spiritual aspect of recovery.
- It is culturally
diverse, sensitive to multi- cultural issues and populations and incorporates
input from offenders of various ethnic backgrounds.
Educational
Component: Education provided during treatment serves two functions:
1.) to provide the participant with basic knowledge about alcohol and
other drug addictions and how each individual and family is affected
and 2.) to provide participants with new information and personal living
skills designed to increase their ability to develop successful long
term recovery from addiction and co-dependency.
Examples of this
work includes opportunities for individuals to:
- increase knowledge
about alcohol /drug effects upon physiological and psychological functions;
- examine values
and attitudes toward self, relationships, alcohol /drug use and more;
- learn alternatives
for improving levels of self esteem, communication, and relationships;
- learn relapse
prevention skills;
- receive AIDS
and related education information;
- learn/improve
parenting skills.
Group Therapy Component: The group therapy approach
includes two key phases. The first of these includes confronting the
alcoholic /addicts system of denial. The counselor reviews via group
focus the facts about the participant's addiction and her harmful use
of alcohol and other drugs. All work is done in a manner which communicates
non-judgmental care and concern for the individual.
Once acceptance
or compliance with the goal has been achieved, the next phase involves
helping the participant decide and seek to identify positive alternatives
and healthy lifestyle choices. The counselor utilizes the group process
to develop and help the participant implement a plan for recovery. Group
counselors utilize a variety of techniques and counseling approaches
to work effectively with each participant in the group setting. Group
methods and activities include:
- developing trust
in self and others
- identifying
and reducing defenses
- increasing honesty
and openness
- emotional growth
and expression
- practical problem
solving
- behavioral experimentation
- improving concept
learning
- improving social
interaction
- providing peer
feed back ,confrontation and emotional support
Individual
Therapy Component: In conjunction with other components, Individual
therapy is for specific support services . Individual sessions provide
the following benefits:
- preparation
for the group experience
- development
and subsequent updating of individual treatment plans
- focused problem-solving
- preparation
for addressing sensitive issues within the group
Twelve Step Meeting Attendance Component: Each participant
is required to attend two appropriate SACRC-based twelve step meetings
each week while incarcerated. Attendance at these meetings will ease
the transition post-release community twelve step programs. Benefits
of attending twelve step meetings include:
- developing a
sense of hope
- adding spiritual
orientation to recovery plan
- developing positive
friendships and supports
- expanding social
interactions and activities
- increasing acceptance
of self as a recovering alcoholic/addict
- developing long-term
support structures and strengthening early recovery gains
Drug Screen
Component: With the cooperation of prison officials, random
drug screening through urinalysis is utilized as an adjunctive tool
to assure abstinence.
Post-Release
Discharge Planning: Problems identified in addition to substance
abuse such as sexual and physical abuse, educational needs, and vocational
skills training are included in discharge planning with referrals to
other community-based programs as indicated.
Individuals remaining
in Tucson can receive continuing care from Compass Health Care, per
utilizing the residential housing transitional care, or out patient
counseling.
Individuals relocating
to the Phoenix area are referred to the Phoenix chapter of the National
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) for continuing care.
Individuals relocating
to areas outside of Tucson or Phoenix are referred to appropriate follow-up
programs in their area.
