CCA: Rebuilding Lives and Rehabilitating Inmates, One Day at a Time

There was a time, not so long ago, when prison meant the end of the road for many a promising young life. But CCA’s commitment to bettering inmates – most of whom will one day be released and return to communities – ensures that incarceration represents not a dead end, but an opportunity for a new beginning.

Today’s correctional facilities must meet the demands of society and the expectations of hardworking taxpayers by offering avenues of hope for every inmate, in every situation. CCA is dedicated to providing rehabilitative inmate opportunities that meet and oftentimes exceed government standards in:

  • Academic education
  • Vocational training
  • Addictions treatment
  • Life skills training
  • Preparation for re-entry and pre-release

As a partner in providing correctional solutions for state, local and federal authorities, CCA believes in high standards when it comes to preparing men and women behind bars to live law-abiding, hardworking and respectable lives upon release. Members of CCA’s rehabilitation services staff include teachers, principals, trainers, counselors and social services experts who share the same goal: To do everything possible to put the individuals in their care on the right path.

They use methods and approaches proven to reduce the likelihood of inmates returning to a life of crime. CCA’s solution is a comprehensive, innovative and research-driven set of rehabilitative services for inmates that address every step along the road to recovery and productivity.

It takes a special kind of individual to work in a correctional environment. The work isn’t easy. But CCA’s thoroughly trained and dedicated staff members are given all the tools they need to succeed – and so are the inmates they work with each day.

Research shows that inmates who receive academic, vocational and life skills training are much less likely to be re-arrested or re-incarcerated. They are also less likely to re-offend when they’ve overcome substance abuse addictions and drug problems. Giving inmates basic life skills, from learning how to plan a budget to improving interpersonal skills, helps them learn how to function without society as independent adults. CCA’s system is based on accountability and results. And it’s the most effective way to help inmates change their basic thinking patterns, gain job skills, recover from addiction and eventually return to society.

CCA has demonstrated its commitment to results by establishing a separate department within the company devoted to developing, delivering and researching inmate programs. Rehabilitative services are continuously tested and evaluated. Inmates are tested before and after taking part in any program, providing data to chart their progress and the effectiveness of the classes, coursework and treatment approaches themselves.

CCA’s Quality in Rehabilitation Services: Accreditation and Innovation

Inmate programs at CCA facilities have proven themselves with dramatic increases in the ability of former prisoners to live productive lives. Their effectiveness has been recognized and accredited by a number of independent industry groups.

CCA overall efforts have received accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA), the oldest and largest international correctional organization in the world. CCA’s addiction treatment programs have been accredited by the National Association for Addiction Professionals. In fact, this distinction has been described as the Good Housekeeping seal of approval when it comes to professionalism in education.

Additionally, vocational training at CCA facilities remains a priority. CCA was the first corrections system to achieve accreditation by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, a nationally recognized authority in high-quality construction and maintenance training.

The Importance of Inmate Rehabilitation

The people housed in a correctional facility are there for a reason, and not by choice. Prison is a punishment. But CCA and its government partners know that inmates, no matter what the situation, are still human beings with the potential to change behavior patterns and lead productive lives.

Factors that lead individuals to prison are too numerous to mention. Many have followed a path of drug use or addiction. Others have faced serious obstacles in life, such as a lack of education, mentoring or spiritual guidance. Changing behavior, overcoming addiction and providing the missing tools are what inmate programs are all about.

That’s a benefit to society and especially to hardworking taxpayers who demand more from the correctional system. Inmates exposed to effective programs are also better behaved while in prison, which helps establish a safer and more productive environment for both prisoners and staff.

All things considered, effective inmate programs are an essential element of an effective and manageable correctional system. CCA believes in treating inmates humanely and providing them with the tools to help them make better choices in the future.