Re-entry Vision

Every offender released from prison will have the tools needed to succeed in the community.

Re-entry Mission

By using evidence-based practices, we will increase compliance with conditions of supervision and the ability of offenders to reintegrate, which will result in safely reducing revocations among Kansas parolees and probationers through a risk-reduction philosophy and a three-phase plan.

Building Better Opportunities For People with Criminal Records

SHRM (Society of Human Resource Management) Foundation’s Getting Talent Back to Work initiative is leading the way to reduce barriers and build bridges to employment for people with criminal records, believing strongly in the power of HR in building diverse and inclusive workplaces that deliver value to people and business. In this hub, HR professionals and employers can find all the resources, tools, and case studies needed to attract, hire, and retain people with criminal records

Re-entry Statewide Staff

Private Industries

Life Skills Enhancement Program

• has two components: academic education and vocational training;
• literacy and the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) programs are provided as well as vocational training programs such as commercial food service and welding; and,
• includes the employability program, which provides guidance on seeking employment, and is provided to all residents enrolled in a program.
 

Therapeutic Community Program

• began in 1996 in the maximum-security unit under direction of the Douglas County Citizens Committee on Alcoholism (DCCCA) of Lawrence;
• the program’s goal is to create a positive peer culture and facilitate overall lifestyle changes;
• each resident in the program is expected to leave the primary treatment program having acquired basic recovery skills;
• residents assigned to this program are in the therapeutic community 24 hours a day; and,
• the resident will remain in the program for 9 - 12 months depending on the needs of each individual resident.
 

Sex Offenders Treatment Program (SOTP) Program

• treatment for the male sex offenders;
• the program is 20 hours per week for 18 months and is contracted through DCCCA of Lawrence;
• the program’s goal is to habilitate offenders toward emotional health and successful transition back into the community; and,
• the program provides psycho-educational classes with group therapy and individual sessions.

Vehicle Maintenance

• a staff of ten resident employees and two staff equipment mechanics oversee the care of more than 100 vehicles, and
• maintenance includes everything from washing the vehicles to major overhauls and body work. Department employees are responsible for a large inventory of parts, supplies, and equipment.
 

Chaplaincy Department

• oversees coordinating resident religious support and coordinating volunteer services;
• religious support is provided to a variety of faith groups which include many Christian denominations, Jewish, Islamic, Moorish Science, Native American, Bhuddist, Asatru, Thelemic and Wiccan faith groups;
• coordinates special holiday events that support LCF residents and their families; and,
• relies on a dedicated group of volunteers to assist in addressing inmate religious and activities needs.

Activities Support

• includes variety of resident activities including individual health and fitness activities, arts and crafts, music groups and resident self-improvement groups, and
• normally led by volunteers from the greater Kansas City area, resident groups meet a diverse array of resident interests and needs, such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, African Awareness, El Chicano (Hispanic awareness), Jaycees, Lifer's Club and several other organizations.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | Volunteers | History | Warden
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Education 
The KDOC contracts with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush) to provide educational and vocational services. 

• Barton Community College
  Provides on-site educational opportunities through a U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training (CBJT) Grant Program.
• Manufacturing Skills Certification (MSC):  The MSC course provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain entry level work on the shop floor of almost any manufacturing or construction company. The eight-hour credit course consists of five classes:  OSHA 10 Safety Course, basic shop math, blueprint reading/geometric dimensions, precision measurement and employability skills.
• Welding Certification:  The welding instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level welding job. The course covers welding for various types of metals, including oil field pipe and aluminum. The 16-hour credit course consists of six classes: OSHA 10 Safety Course, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint ready for welders and cutting processes.
• Plumbing Certification:  The plumbing instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry level plumbing job in either the residential or commercial areas. Training is provided utilizing numerous types of tools that will be encountered in the plumbing industry. The course allows the student hands-on experience in using PVC, copper, steel, and Pex pipe and fittings. The nine-hour credit course consists of the following classes: OSHA Safety Training, Plumbing I, Plumbing II and Shop Practicum. 
• Internet and Computing Core Certification: This two-course program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Certiport IC-3 certification examination. The three credit hour course includes instruction in introduction to computers and computer concepts and cpplications.  
• GED Instruction/Testing: This course provides GED instruction and preparation throughout a 40-hour workweek. 
• Work Ready Instruction/Testing: This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Work Ready certification examination. The program includes classes in reading, locating information and mathematics.

Medical

ECF's medical services encompass many areas of resident medical needs. In addition to the 24-hour nursing care that is available, a physician is on site 20 hours per week and a dentist is on site 30 hours each week. Services include medical screenings and physical exams; dental exams and prophylaxis with treatment that include oral surgery and limited prosthetics; optometry needs for prescribing and fitting of eye wear; ancillary services for laboratory values and x-rays; referral entities for specialty needs of brace/limb prosthetics; orthopedic consultations and surgeries; neurosurgical and neurological consultations; ophthalmological consultations for general surgical conditions; general medical diagnosis and treatments; internal medicine diagnosis and treatments; and other specialty referrals subject to approval of the state medical director. The chronic care clinic currently provides services in the following areas:  pulmonary, hypertension, diabetic, cardiac, epileptic, positive HIV, TB prophylaxis, past positive TB prophylaxis and hyperthyroidism.

Mental Health
The mental health department’s overall goal is to provide services that encourage and assist the resident in making positive changes and meeting his individual needs. The mental health therapy program provides a variety of services which include mental health group counseling, intensive groups, individual counseling, psychiatric intervention, crisis intervention, psychological evaluations, activity therapy, discharge planning, tele-psychiatry to assist in the management of inmates on psychotropic drugs and on-call services. In addition, mental health professionals provide staff instruction on the assessment and management of the resident population. 

Inmate Responsibility and Accountability Model (RAM) Training
The desired result of this training is that the participants will utilize the tools in their daily life. They can also apply the tools when they are released and strengthen their ability to remain on post-release supervision. The focus is on the behavior cycle, errors in thinking, thinking reports and problem resolution techniques. The course has been re-configured as a therapeutic group and targets those who successfully completed a previous group. The group meets once a week for 24 weeks.

NON-CONTRACTED PROGRAMS

Religion
The goal and objective of chaplaincy services is to assist inmates in achieving individual spiritual growth. Services are held weekly for Catholic, protestant, Muslim, Moorish Science Temple of America, Jehovah Witness, United Tribes, Wicca, Buddhist, Assembly of Yahweh, Latter Day Saints, Judaism, Rastafarian and Asatru studies for inmates wishing to attend. A Native American Sweat Lodge ceremony is held on the third Sunday of each month and a pow wow is held quarterly. A variety of counseling services are available, including marriage, crisis, family, individual sessions and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous.

Numerous volunteers conduct religious services, bible studies and assist with other inmate activities.

To further support this mission, a free-standing Spiritual Life Center (SLC) has been constructed at ECF. The total cumulative cost of this capital improvement funding project was approximately $361,000. This project was accomplished primarily through the efforts of volunteers and facility staff using inmate labor. Project funding came exclusively from donations received from churches, individuals, corporations and grants from private foundations.   

Reentry

• Central Kansas Reentry Program (CKRP)

CKRP primary objective is to ensure inmates have the opportunity to improve their probability of a successful return to society. The program utilizes partnerships with corrections agencies, law enforcement, victim services, mental health services, medical health providers, political and community representatives, employers and employment agencies, landlords, housing authorities and faith-based organizations. 

CKRP’s target population consists of inmates who are assessed with high risks and needs in specific areas of their lives, are releasing to the Central Kansas area within a 90-minute radius of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and who are within 12-14 months from their scheduled release. Once assessed for needs in their high risk-to-reoffend areas, these individuals are referred to groups, classes and workshops designed around their case management plan to target their specific needs. The primary areas of focus include but are not limited to:

• Thinking for a Change – focuses on the process of acceptance of social controls, the constructs of our environment, understanding thought patterns and ramifications of actions.
• Job Readiness Training - designed to increase the likelihood of employment stability through education, career assessments, resume building, interview proficiency and networking.
• Family Transitions –  emphasizes creating positive rewards and value systems in relationships including how to avoid and handle conflicts.
• Transitional Planning – focuses on housing and reentry in the community and seeking out pro-social rewards and support systems.
• Money Matters – provides instruction on financial matters such budgeting, managing bank accounts and incorporating savings and retirement plans into a financial plan.
• Interventions – focuses on daily functioning and emotional interventions that address primary life stressors.

Pro-social supports are also a highlight of CKRP. Families attend quarterly family workshops in the community to speak with reentry and parole staff regarding release planning and community transitions.Providing community supports to individuals assures the best chance for their success. Reentry staff will continue working with the individual and their parole supervisor post-release offering services and mediation as needed until societal stability is achieved and the individual advances through the commencement process.   

Bicycle Refurbishing Program
Established in 1999, the program employs 12 inmates who repair and refurbish bicycles that are then donated to less fortunate individuals in Kansas communities and throughout the United States. The bicycle parts and materials are obtained through donations by individuals, law enforcement agencies and civic organizations.

Recreation
Inmates participate in recreational or leisure time activities depending upon their physical ability, fitness and acceptable behavior. The program targets physical and mental fitness, promotes productive leisure time, and includes intramural, social and cultural programming in addition to special events. The gym and yard are open seven days a week for inmate use. 

Community Access Network (CAN), Inc.
Implemented in 2003, this project is a not-for-profit collaborative initiative comprised of representatives from various Kansas government organizations and community partners. The purpose of CAN is to develop an online resource to promote social issues, identify available services, and provide community statistics surrounding social issues and services.

Wheels for the World 
Established in 1993, this outreach program for Joni and Friends Ministries refurbishes used wheelchairs that are distributed throughout the world. ECF’s program also manugactures universal footrests that are shipped to other distribution centers. Additionally, the program produced a new all-terrain attachment which allows individuals in various areas of the world to maneuver a wheelchair in rough terrain. The program's ECF supervisors are often called upon to lend their support in training and technical advice to setup similar programs in other states and countries. The program contracts with Personal Energy Transportation Kansas from Moundridge, Kan., to build parts for hand-cranked carts that are needed by those who lost the use of their legs due to polio, landmine injuries or amputation.  

Library
The library provides recreational, educational, legal and other information resources contributing to the development of the inmates in their physical, intellectual, moral and spiritual well-being. The library has approximately 12,000 books, receives about 30 newspapers and magazines and provides reference collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories and other ready reference books. The collection is supplemented by an efficient, state-wide inter-library loan service. Inmates are provided access to all the legal documents, cases, statutes, administrative rules and case notes through the computerized LexisNexis system. The library also provides photocopying services and typewriters for inmates doing legal work. 

Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES), Inc.
Since 1999, the CARES group has worked with ECF inmates who teach puppies basic obedience and socialization skills during a three- to six-month period.Once these skills are mastered, the dogs are placed with individuals who have a variety of challenges (physical, mental or emotional). 

Work Programs
ECF’s policy is to provide inmates with a variety of meaningful work/program assignments patterned after a typical workday in the community. Assignments are designed to encourage inmates to develop desirable work habits and skills while engaging in work projects for ECF and the State of Kansas. 

An inmate employment assessment and job assignment program has been established at ECF which is utilized to ensure inmates are assigned jobs commensurate with their technical skills and to encourage inmates to possess positive behavioral characteristics. In addition, inmates are assigned to work crews to obtain on-the-job training which allows them to develop their work skills and assist them with reintegration into society.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History | Warden

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Programs

Pre-Release                    Vocational (Aramark)                    GED

Correctional Industries

Aramark.................................. 6 slots
Pioneer Balloon....................... 12 slots  

Community Service Work

Inmates at Winfield Correctional Facility provide thousands of hours of community service work each year to non-profit entities after certification that the service work will not displace community-available jobs. This program provides labor for those approved agencies and provides inmates with valuable job skills and work ethics that they can utilize upon release. Long-term community service work includes:

• Butler County
• City of Arkansas City
• City of El Dorado
• City of Wichita   
• City of Winfield    
• Cowley County Humane Society
• Lion’s Club Sight Project                  
• Kansas Department of Transportation 
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
• Strother Field
• USD 465

Other Programs

Inmates also can participate in Reaching Out from Within, al self-help program for inmates who are committed to change and to giving back to the community.

Reaching Out From Within is a Kansas City-based non-profit organization founded in 1982 by violence prevention advocate and author SuEllen Fried. The program is dedicated to providing programs that prevent violence in our community. By breaking the cycle of violence, participants become contributing members of their families and society. Incarcerated men and women lead meetings using a curriculum written by offenders that teaches life skills and encourages them to make positive changes in their lives.

The WCF program began in 1994. Meetings, which are open to every inmate in the facility, are held two nights each week. During the meetings, inmates work with various materials and reference books that help in their quest to learn new ways to meet life's challenges and change their behavior. Select program participants, who have met special criteria, routinely speak to students and other groups in their community about choices and consequences.

Giving back to society in a meaningful way is one of the core beliefs of the program. The group gives back to society by supporting charities.

For more information, see the Reaching Out From Within website at http://www.rofw.org.

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While services for medical and education are contracted for through private vendors, the facility's food service is supported by the Larned State Hospital. However staffing at LSCF is contractual. Meals are prepared at the state hospital kitchen and transported to the LSCF for serving to the Central Unit inmates. South Unit inmates eat their meals under LSCF staff supervision at the state hospital cafeteria.

Chaplaincy Services

The facility provides opportunities for inmates to practice their respective religious faiths. A full-time chaplain is the liaison for religious services and volunteers in the community.

Reeentry

Reentry services provide programming, such as Thinking for a Change courses and support for offenders based on the inmate’s specific risk and need areas as defined by screening and offender behavior.

Private Industries

Inmate employee positions are available in non-prison based industries programs for minimum-custody West Unit inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates learn and practice the pro-social skills and good work habits required to be self-sufficient, productive citizens ready to practice responsible crime-free behavior.

Overview | Visitor Information | Programs | History
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Through the chaplain department, female offenders also participated in the Girls Scouts and KAIROS, a prison ministry program.

Overview | Youth Handbook (Manual Para La Juventud) | Parent Handbook (Manual Para Los Padres) | Juvenile Offender Telephone Information 

Education Services | Other Programs | Medical & Behavioral Health Services | History | Superintendent | Juvenile Correctional Facility Population Data

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• Education
• Reentry
• Inmate Clubs & Opportunities
• Wild Horses (Kansas Correctional Industries)
  
• CARES & Lucky Dog Program
• Recycling
• Print Shop
• Private Industries

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Within the program division, unit teams manage the inmate population assigned to each housing unit. A unit team manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the housing unit. Uniformed staff and corrections counselors are also part of each unit team. The unit team's purpose is to decentralize programs and operations to provide more individual attention to the inmate population and to respond to the needs of individual inmates. 

An individualized treatment program is developed, implemented and maintained for each inmate by unit team staff. The unit teams provide services to inmates in the form of work assignments, progress reviews, attitudinal and adjustment counseling, release counseling and other matters. For unit teams, release planning for all inmates is vital to an inmate’s successful transition into society. An inmate employment assessment and job assignment program is utilized to ensure inmates are assigned jobs commensurate with their technical skills. Inmates are also assigned to work crews to obtain on-the-job training which allows them to develop work skills and assist them with reintegration into society. The records office is responsible for providing clerical support for the unit teams and for updating records of inmates received, processed and transferred into and from EDCF.

Contract services, including medical, mental health and education programs are also overseen by the deputy warden of programs.

NON-CONTRACTED PROGRAMS

Facility/Parole Interaction
Facility/parole interaction meetings convene on a monthly basis for parole and facility staff to make presentations to inmates who will be releasing in 30 to 60 days. Discussions occur surrounding the 12 standard conditions of parole to dispel common myths and beliefs about post release supervision. In Phase 2, conference calls occur between inmates, facility staff (IPO, Unit Manager, Counselor, Release Planner, etc.) inmate family members or home plan sponsor and other appropriate participants.

SKIP
The Kansas Strengthening Kids of Incarcerated Parents (KS-SKIP) program is a model program designed to connect incarcerated parents to their children prior to release from prison. The initial phase of the KS-SKIP program is a 13-week parenting class that focuses on increasing the father's understanding of their role as a parent, in spite of incarceration. The goal is to strengthen the father-child relationship prior to release and to prepare fathers to reconnect with their child/children. The second phase is Play and Learn groups. The groups are mobile preschool environments where parents and children gather to play and learn together under the supervision of trained facilitators. Each week for 8-12 weeks, fathers turn an adult space into a playgroup environment for their children. When children arrive at the facility, fathers become the primary caregiver for that hour and a half session. The program's third phase includes support to the caregivers. Concurrent to the Play and Learn group, a support group is offered for the caregivers of the children.

FLIP
Directed at segregation inmates, FLIP (Fundamental Lessons in Psychology) consists of various psychological topics including: anger management, anxiety, assertiveness, cognitive self-change, depression, general mental health, grief, loss and forgiveness, men’s issues/adjustment and self-esteem. 

Chaplaincy
EDCF has two full time chaplains who facilitate, coordinate, and oversee religious programs for the Central Unit. There are over 24 different groups facilitated by the Chaplain's office including Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, Asatru, Assembly of Yahweh, Buddhist, Church of Christ Study, House of Yahweh, Innerchange, Islamic Study, Jehovah's Witnessess, Jewish Study, Latter Day Saints, Mennonite Study, Moorish Science Temple, Native Americans, Pentecostal Worship, Non-Catholic Christian Study, Sunday Services, Rastafarian, Roman Catholic Study/Mass, Seventh Day Adventists, Spanish Speaking Bible Study and Wicca.  The Chaplain's office provides greeting cards and reading materials to inmates as they are provided by donations.  This office also provides premarital counseling, grief counseling, memorial services and emergency notification for families of inmates.  Additionally, counseling is provided for inmates with families, and counseling and assistance is provided to staff as needed and requested.  The chaplains coordinate volunteer services for approximately 250 volunteers, provide training to both volunteers and facility staff, work with local community leaders and clergy and lead worship services for inmates.

Spritual Life Center
Opened in June 2010, the Spiritual Life Center is an 11,500 sq. foot structure designed to support the spiritual needs of inmates. Constructed primarily through the efforts of inmate labor, volunteers, and facility staff, project funding, furnishings, and equipment have come exclusively from donations received from individuals, corporations and foundation grants. The Spiritual Life Center provides space to an increased number of inmates to attend religious services along with housing support groups such as AA and Life Skills training.  The building contains a large chapel area, a multi-purpose room, five classrooms, a library, two chaplain's offices and a conference room.  

Transitional Segregation Program (Segregation to Society (STS)) 
Aimed at long-term segregation inmates who have 12 to 16 months until release, the program provides a number of tools necessary for the transition to the community. Inmates in this setting have been more restricted in their movement and access to others and have not been able to attend release and re-entry classes. In-cell assignments are conducted through handouts, workbooks, manuals, etc. Instruction is provided directly to inmates by trained staff. 

Behavior Modification Program (BMP)
The BMP is a program designed to deal with transitioning segregation inmates in a stratified behavior modification program based on increased steps of privileges for demonstrated appropriate behavior and program compliance. The nine-month, cognitive-based program integrates inmates in a 3-step process that includes portions of Thinking for a Change, Motivation for Change, PAD (Positive Attitude Development), and Anger Management programs.

• Step 1: Consists of the Positive Attitude Development program (9 weeks) and the Positive Communication Development (3 weeks).
• Step 2: Consists of the Positive Communication Development (12 weeks) and the Self Actualization program (12 weeks).
• Step 3: Consists of inmates participating in at least two general population groups per week. The programs are Road to Recovery, Life Skills, FLIP: Fundamental Lessons in Psychology, Meditation, Crochet and Communication.

Added to the program is an additional three months of monitoring under intensive supervision. 

Offender Workforce Development (OWDS)
OWDS works with inmates to address internal and external barriers and assesses individual interests and skills in preparation for job readiness. OWDS assists with developing such job search skills as developing a resume, completing an application, conducting a job search, honing interview skills and discussing how to address the inmate's felony conviction.

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NCF currently has Vocational Education programs including Building Maintenance, Carpentry, and Medium Vocations [manufacturing skills], available.  Staff from Colby Community College and through Greenbush offer Academic Education classes to residents that include reading, writing, science, and math.  Learned skills are applied to testing for their GED.

Residents also gain employment skills and a strong work ethic through participation in community service work, and NCF's prison-based and non-prison based private industries programs including Wilkens at Stockton, KS.

NCF also offers resident programs which include physical and Behavioral Health services, and resident self-help programs such as Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. 

RADAC is also a program offered at NCF for minimum and medium custody offenders.  RADAC is a Substance Abuse Program.   This 39 session Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abuse is a curriculum designed for individuals who are moderate to high need in the area of substance abuse.  The class is taught by RADAC Staff.  This class relies on a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach participants strategies for avoiding substance abuse.  There are six modules that consist of Motivational Engagement, Cognitive Restructuring, Emotional Regulation, Social Skills, Program Solving, and Relapse Prevention.

NCF's Behavioral Health Department provides individual and group therapy for residents including therapy groups covering such areas as anger management, dialectical behavior therapy, Fundamental Lessons in Psychology, lifestyle change, relationships, and a parenting group.

In addition, NCF partners with a community organization through the Second Chance Homeless Pet Society to provide basic dog obedience training and grooming for dogs that are placed up for adoption upon completion of the program.

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