DCS Strategic Plan 2023 | Page 7

GOAL 2

Increase Rehabilitative Opportunities
Measurable Objective
Strategy / Strategy Description
Status
M . O . 3 - Increase the availability of MRT classes from 12 judicial circuits in FY 2020 to all 50 judicial circuits by FY 2023 . ON TARGET goal2
Strategy 4 - Conduct a ‘ Time Study ’ to assess counselors ' workload
A well-recognized criminogenic need is antisocial thought patterns , which reinforce participation in criminal activity . Research on cognitive programs in community supervision settings , such as Moral Reconation Therapy ( MRT ), associates improved outcomes with program participation . Therefore , DCS organized an internal ' Time Study ' to ensure that counselors are fully optimized to address this need . The ' Time Study ' revealed that 36 of the 50 judicial circuits currently offer MRT classes . Our Recidivism Reduction Unit is presently analyzing the ' Time Study ' data to formulate strategic initiatives for ensuring that all supervisees across Georgia have access to MRT as a cognitive treatment option when needed .
On Target
M . O . 4 - Increase the percentage of probationers having their mental health and addiction needs addressed from 24 % and 20 % in FY 2021 to 40 % for both by the end of FY 2023 . BELOW TARGET ( 24 % and 42 %)
Strategy 5 - Expand the use of Accountability Courts .
Accountability Court Programs are associated with successful criminal justice outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders and mental illness . However , there is no standardized process for felony probationers to benefit from these services . Hence , we partnered with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council ( CJCC ), Council of Accountability Court Judges ( CACJ ), and Georgia State University ( GSU ) to increase accountability court service loads and reduce the number of probationers revoked to prison . This project implements a multi-site pilot to create formal accountability court referral and intake procedures for felony probationers with substance use disorders or mental illness who risk violating their sentence . By expanding the use of accountability courts as a diversion from revocations to prison , DCS can better assist individuals with addiction and mental illness . Pilot sites have started , policies are in place , and referrals are underway . In addition , DCS is providing GSU with quarterly data to monitor and evaluate the program .
On Target
Georgia DCS | Strategic Plan 2022 06