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| Overview |
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Offender intake and assessment for the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) takes place at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) located in Wilsonville, Oregon. All offenders sentenced to serve time with ODOC enter through this facility except when determined to be inappropriate for safety and security reasons. The intake and assessment process usually requires about three to four weeks to complete. During this time offenders take part in a number of assessments and information gathering activities. These activities are designed to identify security, medical, mental health, substance abuse, educational, and cognitive risks.
After all necessary information has been gathered using the appropriate assessment tools, an intake correctional counselor evaluates the information and uses it to determine an inmate’s custody/classification and in the development of an individualized corrections plan for each offender. Each offender then meets with a correctional counselor for review of the corrections plan and to answer any questions. After this final meeting with the counselor, the inmate is scheduled for transfer to a long-term facility in which the safety of all inmates, staff and the surrounding community can be ensured.
The intake and assessment unit at CCCF also works closely with the Oregon Youth Authority to process juvenile offenders who were sentenced as adults. Typically their intake process is abbreviated and juvenile movement within the facility is restricted for safety reasons.
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| Admission & Orientation |
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Upon arrival at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, offenders are processed through Receiving & Discharge (R & D). During this process, which may last several hours, inmates undergo an abbreviated medical/mental health evaluation and are given a tuberculosis skin test. They are also photographed, fingerprinted and issued an Oregon Department of Corrections inmate identification card. In addition inmates take a shower, are issued clothing and bedding and given the opportunity to mail out any personal property they may have brought with them. Each inmate is issued hygiene items and an Intake Packet containing an Intake Handbook, Rules of Prohibited Conduct , and other items including informational flyers representing services offered by: Workforce Development, Counseling & Treatment Services, Health Services, Food Services and others. Intake Packets are available in English and Spanish. Appropriate accommodations are made for inmates speaking other languages such as Russian, Vietnamese, etc. After completing the R & D process, each offender is assigned a cell in one of five housing units (one female and four male units) and scheduled to attend an orientation. The intake orientation is conducted in English and Spanish. Appropriate accommodations are made for inmates speaking other languages such as Russian, Vietnamese, etc.
During the orientation to the intake & assessment unit, inmates are informed of the various activities involved in the intake and assessment process. This includes an explanation of the forthcoming tests, interviews and classes, as well as daily operations and expectations. Inmates are also introduced to the purpose and impact of their individualized Corrections Plan. The Corrections Plan is described as key to their successful transition back into the community. In keeping with the standards set forth in the Oregon Accountability Model, inmates are encouraged to take an active and positive role in their incarceration and to view it as an opportunity for positive change. The use of Social Learning Theory (the positive modeling, interaction and reinforcement that inmates encounter while involved in the Intake & Assessment process) throughout the intake and assessment process assists in preparing the offender for a productive incarceration and successful return to the community.
An orientation to the Oregon Department of Corrections is also available to family members and friends of newly incarcerated individuals. DOC Family Orientations are presented jointly by Oregon Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) and the Oregon Department of Corrections. They are held in both the Portland and Salem area on a monthly basis. For more information or to register for an upcoming orientation, please call (503)977-9979 or 1-866-357-CURE (2873). CURE Support Groups are also offered for adult family members and friends of incarcerated individuals. These groups provide an opportunity for family members and friends to talk in a safe, confidential, and supportive atmosphere with others who understand.
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| Medical |
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Upon arrival at CCCF, all inmates receive an initial health screening and tuberculosis skin testing. Within just a few days Health Services also conducts a complete medical history and performs a thorough physical and dental examination on each inmate. These exams are used to identify any pressing or ongoing medical or dental issues that an inmate may be facing. They are also used to establish a complete medical and dental record for each inmate entering the ODOC. While housed at CCCF, inmates have access to medical and emergency dental care, as well as any prescribed medications. Inmates that require further medical, dental or mental health services are then routed to an appropriate facility.
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| Assessment |
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During an inmate’s stay with the intake & assessment unit at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, he or she will participate in a number of written and verbal tests designed to assess various aspects of his or her academic and cognitive skills, English comprehension skills (for inmates with English as a second language) and mental health. There are two main assessments, which are group-administered and computer scored, used in the intake & assessment process: CASAS (an educational assessment) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (a mental health assessment). Depending on an inmate’s score on either of these group tests, he or she may participate in follow-up interviews with an education or mental health professional. They may also participate in individual testing designed to further identify areas of need/risk. Additional assessments include a series of questionnaires to evaluate, among other things, levels of alcohol/drug use, existing work skills and certificates, family status, ethnicity, residency, native language and religious background.
The focal point of the intake & assessment process is the criminogenic assessment of the offender. Criminogenics simply means the “origin” or “beginning” of “criminal behavior.” The criminogenic assessment system is used to target an inmate for participation in specific programs based on the identification of risk factors believed to be at the root of their criminal behavior. Research over many years has shown that there are seven areas in a person’s life that are closely linked to criminal behavior. These areas are known as criminogenic factors and they include:
- Education/Employment
- Marital/Family Relationships
- Associates/Social Interaction
- Substance Abuse
- Community Functioning
- Personal/Emotional Orientation
- Belief Systems (Attitudes)
After all necessary information has been gathered using the appropriate assessment tools, an intake correctional counselor evaluates the information and uses it in the development of an individualized corrections plan for each offender.
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| Custody/Classification |
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Once an inmate’s file has been assembled and he or she has completed all group and individual testing, an intake counselor is assigned. One of the responsibilities of this counselor is to determine an inmate’s initial custody classification. The classification instrument used incorporates numerically weighted custody classification criteria and a scoring matrix. Classification criteria includes both public and institutional risks and is designed so all inmates have the opportunity for reduced custody, depending on favorable conduct coupled with compliance and progress in regards to fulfilling the goals outlined in the inmate’s Corrections Plan. Custody levels range from 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest possible level of custody and 5 is the highest.
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| Corrections Plan |
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Upon completion of the ODOC intake and assessment process, each offender will have an individualized corrections plan. This plan is the summation of all the data gathered in the intake & assessment process. It specifically identifies areas in offenders’ lives that place them at risk for returning to prison upon completion of their sentence and targets risks and needs that require attention. The individual programs that inmates participate in during their incarceration are driven by the information contained on the corrections plan. Implementation of the offender’s corrections plan throughout incarceration works to systematically move the offender toward acquiring positive and productive personal and pro-social skills, ultimately contributing to a successful transition back into the community. An offender’s corrections plan is reviewed every six months by his or her correctional counselor to ensure that the offender is meeting the goals set forth in his or her plan.
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| Alternative Incarceration |
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In Oregon, “alternative incarceration” refers to intensive prison programs for selected inmates to address criminal risk factors. Alternative incarceration in Oregon was established by the 1993 Legislature with House Bill 2481, creating the Summit program. Ten years later, the 2003 Legislature authorized the Oregon Department of Corrections (ODOC) to establish additional residential alternative incarceration programs that emphasize intensive alcohol and drug treatment (House Bill 2647). NOTE: Placement in an alternative incarceration program is not guaranteed, even if an inmate is determined to be eligible for participation.
There are currently four alternative incarceration programs available within ODOC. They are:
SUMMIT The SUMMIT (Success Using Motivation, Morale, Intensity and Treatment) program for men was established in 1994 and is located at Shutter Creek Correctional Facility in North Bend. This program requires inmates to confront old criminal beliefs and thinking patterns. It focuses on cognitive skill building, alcohol and drug education, developing work skills and ethics, and building and maintaining pro-social relationships. Under the direction of community officers and counselors, offenders learn to accept responsibility for their criminal behaviors and the injuries they caused others. The activities are designed to prepare inmates to reenter mainstream society as responsible, contributing members of the community.
New Directions Addictions Program is an intensive residential treatment program for men at Powder River Correctional Facility in Baker City. It focuses on personal accountability and responsibility, a structured daily routine that involves physical work and exercise, behavioral skill development, and group and individual addiction treatment. Additional interventions include preparation for gainful employment, developing pro-social relationships and family skills, identifying and changing criminal thinking errors and tactics, attending 12-step programming and other recovery activities, and developing healthy decision-making skills and habits for successful community living. Approximately 350 men will participate in New Directions each year.
LIFT The LIFT (Living In Freedom Today) program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility is designed to assist female offenders in examining their thouht processes and help them discover how their thinking may lead them to act in an antisocial or criminal manner. After a process of assessment, the program extensively addresses pro-social skill development and provides opportunity to practice these skills through the use of activities, surveys, discussion, homework, role plays and lecture. The education component is divided into ten modules and addresses the participant's transition needs and provides one-to-one case management to assist them in transitioning back into the community.
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Program for women is offered at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. In a learning environment, female inmates work to develop the pro-social skills needed for life outside prison. Residents in the program participate in intensive addiction treatment, increase their personal accountability and responsibility, and are required to develop healthy daily routines that involve physical work and exercise, behavioral skill development, and participation in individual and group counseling. A strong emphasis is placed on preparing for gainful employment and successful living in the community. Turning Point will serve approximately 100 women each year.
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| FAQs |
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- Can I visit an inmate who is involved in the intake and assessment process? No. Unfortunately, personal visits are not authorized for inmates involved in the intake process. This is because he/she is involved in an intensive assessment process. Legal or professional visits can be arranged by an attorney or other professional.
- How can I communicate with an inmate involved in intake and assessment? Upon arrival at CCCF, inmates can receive mail. All incoming and outgoing mail must be in accordance with the department´s mail rule. Remember to include your friend or loved one's State ID (SID) number on all correspondence. The address for CCCF is: 24499 SW Grahams Ferry Road - Wilsonville, OR - 97070. Shortly after arrival at CCCF, inmates are given five stamped envelopes. If, for some reason, the intake process takes longer than 30 days to complete, additional envelopes are made available. Inmates also have access to pay phones on their units. All calls made from these phones must be collect until an inmate has set up a debit account, known as a VAC account. Inmates will receive instructions on how to use the phones and how to set up a VAC account within a few days of their arrival. You may contact VAC directly for information on setting up a debit account for your friend or loved one by calling: 1-800-786-8521.
- How long does the intake process take? On average, the intake process takes around 30 days to complete. This does not mean that all inmates will complete the process within that time, however. There are several reasons why the process could take longer. For example, an inmate could be transferred out to court at some point during the process. If this occurs, the intake process stops until the inmate returns.
- Where will my freind or loved one be transferred to once he or she completes the intake process? Female inmates remain at CCCF upon completion of the intake process. Males will be transferred to one of thirteen different prison facilities located throughout the state of Oregon. There are numerous factors that go into determining placement. However, the main factors include: custody level, programs available, safety & security, and bed-space at any given facility.
- Can I influence the placement of my friend or loved one following completion of the intake process? No. Where an inmate is transferred to upon completion of the intake process is determined by a number of factors. Among these factors are: custody level, programs available, safety & security, and bed-space at any given facility. Neither an inmate nor an inmate's family can select the facility to which he/she will be transferred. In some cases a “hardship” placement can be made once the inmate has completed intake and has been transferred to his long-term facility. The correctional counselor at that facility will determine whether or not someone is eligible to apply for such placement. Medical documentation is required for consideration.
- How can an inmate get into one of the alternative incarceration programs (AIP)? Each offender will receive an AIP application at Intake or may request one from their facility counselor once they have been moved to another ODOC facility. There are a number of requirements for participation in one of the AIP programs. They include the following:
- The offender has expressed interest in attending an AIP program by signing the AIP application and placing a mark in the "YES" box on the application.
- The offender’s judgment order specifically authorizes alternative incarceration program eligibility.
- The offender was not sentenced to a mandatory minimum sentence or under another disqualifying Oregon Revised Statute.
- The offender has acheived minimum-custody status.
- The offender does not have open detainers or warrants.
- The offender has sufficient time remaining to complete the 270-day program.
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