HAWLEY, PA — Pike County Correctional Facility (PCCF) is considered a model facility of its kind. The scope of programs that are offered is so large and all-encompassing that other jails request copies of their well organized booklets, in which the staff has carefully named and described each program and specified at whom it is aimed and its desired outcome. Programs range from the intensive drug and alcohol program run by Richard Shea, mentioned in the last installment, to crafts and activities organized both to engage the inmate in a new method of self expression and to create practical items, such as blankets, for those in their communities who are in need. Interested members of the public can receive a booklet outlining the program by calling 570/775-5500.

PCCF offers separate programs for men and women. All programs are optional. No inmate is ever forced to enter a program he or she does not wish to attend. For the men, there is the Actively Reducing Recidivism Opens Windows (ARROW) program, and for the women the Helping Women Promote Excellence (HOPE) program. For male offenders ineligible for the ARROW program, there is the Motivating Offenders to Reintegrate Effectively (MORE) program, and for inmates who successfully graduate from ARROW there is the Correctional Offenders Reintegrating Effectively (CORE) program. All these programs were developed and implemented by the staff at PCCF itself.

In 2014, PCCF also became a GED testing site, which gives the offender a much greater chance of obtaining employment upon release. Not only do these programs assist the offenders, but having smaller groups working together in separate areas reduces the noise and chaos generally seen in such facilities.

According to PCCF staff, the programs work. One major focus is to teach inmates that they are responsible for their own behavior. As simple as that seems, if a child is not taught this principle at home, it may never be learned. But these inmates are expected to adhere to a schedule and appear where they are expected to be at a certain time. This sounds like a minor step to many of us, but is often a huge one for these individuals. The proof will be in the numbers. Currently, the recidivism rate nationally stands at 70%. The programs are too new to accurately assess, but it seems likely that they will lower recidivism at PCCF.

As an example of the activities associated with the programs, inmates learn to work in the kitchen. Most inmates have no idea how to obtain a job, and they learn resume writing, interviewing skills, money management—all basic life skills.

After inmates have successfully completed the ARROW program, they may then graduate to the MORE program, which offers less supervision and more time outdoors learning small engine repair, roofing and other skills. Inmates are closely supervised at all times by correctional officers. The HOPE program for women offers the same basic principles. Mandatory attendance at programs and preparation are expected. They all have the opportunity to learn skills such as looming and knitting.

The inmates may attend various programs like Narcotics Anonymous, and other types of substance abuse programs such a Rationale Emotive Therapy. The 12-step programs are one of many types of programs available to the recovering addict.

The ARROW, HOPE, CORE and MORE programs share the theme that personal responsibility is key to successfully transitioning back into society. There cannot be a significant change in a person’s life without substantial effort on the part of the participant.

In the area of treating addiction, all incoming inmates are assessed for a substantial period of time for their eligibility for the intensive drug and alcohol rehab program run by Shea. While some community members might feel that these programs are expensive and wasted on inmates, over 100 volunteers donate time to try to make life better for inmates.

Many of these inmates are simply individuals whose home life and education left them without the basic skills to succeed. The training programs administered by PCCF are designed to help them re-enter civilian life, and as an overview of the program says, many inmates are in for a small life mistake made when they were very young. Inmate advocates say it is in society’s best interests to provide them with training and opportunity to become successfully reintegrated into the community.