IMPACT GEORGIA MAGAZINE
MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE
TRUE LIFE IS LIVED , WHEN TINY CHANGES OCCUR . - LEO TOLSTOY
The Reentry and Cognitive Programming ( RCP ) unit works to reduce recidivism through collaborative partnerships that support offender placement into evidence-based interventions and continue through offender transition ( reentry ) to the community .
One such program , Motivation for change , is a mandatory course for each offender within the Georgia Department of Corrections . The program encourages offenders to identify for themselves where they are at in their stage of change with regard to their criminal behaviors , addictions , attitudes , values , and beliefs .
Although the state mandates this program , it is beneficial for the reentry of each offender into society . This program is given to thousands of offenders per year and requires many resources , such as qualified instructors , small face-to-face groups , and strict scheduling . course to prepare offenders for release . Through creativity and evaluation , instructors decided to transfer the Motivation for Change program to an entirely virtual video course .
There are five educational videos which each last 30 minutes in length . The courses require participants to complete activities throughout , and knowledge checks upon completion . Facilities have also begun working toward having certified-trained offenders that will assist in facilitating the program .
The new video program was piloted at Burruss Correctional Training Center , with 29 offenders receiving their certification . The GDC is anxiously awaiting the implementation of the video course at prisons across the state .
As abrupt changes occurred during the academic year , the Inmates Service ’ s Unit discovered new ways to provide this extensive
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