Q: What are Assessment Centers?
A: The New Jersey Administrative Code defines
"Assessment and Treatment Center" as a Residential Community
Release Program that provides eligible inmates with a comprehensive
assessment of their needs and risks, an orientation to a treatment
regimen, and a referral to a work release house, Substance Use
Disorder Treatment Program, or Mutual Agreement Program. All inmates
must remain at the Assessment Center for approximately 60-90 days.
Q: How is an inmate selected for a Residential
Community Release Program (RCRP)?
A: In order for an inmate to participate in a
RCRP, the following steps are necessary:
- The inmate must fill out a Community Release application;
this can be obtained from the Community Release Coordinator
(CRC) at the institution;
- the application must be submitted to the CRC;
- a classification committee will be scheduled to determine
if the inmate is eligible and appropriate for Community Release
(CR); if approved for CR, the CRC will forward the approved
application and all other required paperwork to the Office
of Community Programs (OCP); and
- the OCP will conduct a final review of the inmate's application
and determine the most appropriate initial placement for the
male inmate. Male inmates will be assigned to one of two Assessment
and Treatment centers. All female inmates will be assigned
to the Bo Robinson Assessment and Treatment Center, where
they will receive further assessment and treatment.
Q: Are RCRP inmates allowed visitation from
the outside?
A: All inmates are allowed visitation at a specific
time of their stay at the RCRP. Please see the visitation rules,
regulations and allotted times and days, under the RCRP information
page.
Q: What are some of the services provided
by the RCRPs?
A: Some of the services offered by the RCRPs
may include:
- Substance Use Treatment
- Domestic Violence Counseling/Education
- Parenting Education
- GED Preparation
- Workplace Literacy
- Workplace Readiness
- Anger Management
- Counseling
- Relapse Prevention
- Smoking Cessation
Q: What responsibilities does the RCRP inmate
have?
A: The inmate must:
- Adhere to all program guidelines
- Complete all phases of the program
- Participate in educational and/or vocational programs, as
required
- Remain drug free
- Perform Community Service
- Submit to random urine monitoring
- If employed, make payment for:
o Maintenance fees
o All federal and state taxes
o Fines, penalties and restitutions
o Child Support (if applicable)
Q: How does an agency obtain a contract with
the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC)?
A: Contracts are awarded through the competitive
bid process. To be added to the bidder's list, you may write to
Marcus O. Hicks, Esq., Assistant Director of Office of Community Programs and Outreach Services (see OCP Contact Information page).
Only non-profit agencies, with five or more years experience in
the correctional field and who currently have or will have a licensed
facility prior to receiving a contract, will be considered.
Q: How does the NJDOC ensure the safety of
the community?
A: The NJDOC ensures that all offenders assigned
to RCRPs are assessed and supervised at a level necessary to protect
the community. The NJDOC utilizes a performance-based evaluation
process that objectively assesses and evaluates community programs
and operations, including outcome studies that provide quantifiable
data on program effectiveness. The NJDOC remains abreast of "Best
Practice" changes to ensure optimal rehabilitation and public
safety. The RCRPs have strict accountability procedures to enable
them to know where inmates are at all times. All inmates must
sign in and out of the RCRP. They must have an approved site if
they are out in the community, where they can be contacted at
all times.
Q: How long is the process to transfer to
a RCRP after a RCRP application has been completed by the inmate?
A: After the application is received by the Office
of Community Programs, it takes approximately 3-6 months before
the inmate is placed in a RCRP. Please note that inmates are not
necessarily assigned community placement in order of approval;
there are numerous factors that determine when an individual will
be placed in the community. All questions regarding Community
Placement should be directed to the Institutional Community Release
Coordinator.
Q: When will the inmate be eligible to work
or attend school in the community?
A: There are several different types of Community
Programs, and the length of time that an inmate may have to wait
to participate in work or school activities is unique at each
program. This information can be obtained from the RCRP during
orientation.
Q: Can inmates receive their GED while at
a RCRP?
A: Yes, it is possible to receive a GED while
at one of the RCRPs. Most of the RCRPs provide GED classes to
prepare for the test and can provide guidance in applying for
the test.
Q: What recourse is available to a RCRP inmate or the inmate's family if they feel that they have been unable to resolve a major concern at the RCRP?
A: Please be advised that each inmate is provided with an orientation
to the RCRP and an inmate handbook to provide guidance in the
proper protocols for the resolution of problems and/or issues.
Once a RCRP inmate has exhausted ALL other avenues for remedy,
they or their family may contact the Department of the Public
Advocate, at (609) 292-8020, or (609) 633-2596. They may also
write to the:
Corrections Ombudsman
Department of the Public Advocate
Post Office Box 855
Trenton, NJ 08625
Further information is also available at: www.state.nj.us/publicadvocate/citizens/guardinginmatesrights.html
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