The Cognitive Community Model: Long-Term Public Safety Ms. J. Lee, CSAC Cognitive Program Manager VADOC

 Virginia DOC Offenders are classified upon entering the correctional system. An assessment tool (COMPAS) is utilized to provide guidance for each offender’s case plan.  Reentry begins as each offender enters the DOC.  Level One Offenders (low security) are provided the Road to Success Curriculum  Level 2-4 Offenders are required to complete the Cognitive Community Reentry Program  Level 5 & 6 Offenders have tailored reentry programs offered at the Higher Security Facilities

 Confinement is a short-term approach to Public Safety.  As of March 31, 2016, there were 37, 195 offenders incarcerated in the VA Department of Corrections. By 2022, 59% of these offenders will be released. An additional 24% of these offenders are scheduled for release after Only 6% of these offenders are serving life sentences and 11% have non-calculated dates.  Evidence Based Practices will ensure long- lasting Public Safety for Virginians.

 Research conducted on the Therapeutic Community (TC) -a social learning model- and research conducted on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approaches with offender populations both demonstrated reductions in post-release recidivism in comparison with non-treated similar populations.

 In the Cognitive Community, the primary goal is to change the negative patterns of feeling, thinking and behaving that predispose crime, drug use, and other antisocial behavior.

 The Cognitive Community represents a synthesis of social learning modalities like the Therapeutic Community and the cognitive approaches that include cognitive restructuring and skills training.

The core of the Cognitive Community modality is that the offender community itself is the agent of change and provides the laboratory for offenders to practice new cognitive behavioral patterns in a supportive environment. In the Cognitive Community, offenders cannot hide in their behavior nor can they hide in their thinking. Both will be exposed and therefore available to change with community support.

 In 2004, a pilot project for the first Cognitive Community Program was initiated at the Southampton Women’s Work Center.  In 2006,the model was introduced as a six- month intensive reentry program at Powhatan Correctional Center for male offenders. Outcome studies for the two programs reveal remarkable results.  Brunswick: less than 2% recidivism  Powhatan: less than 8% recidivism

 Currently, Cognitive Community Reentry Programs are operational in the following facilities: 1. Bland CC 2. Brunswick Women’s WC 3. Coffeewood CC 4. Deep Meadow CC 5. Deerfield CC 6. Dillwyn CC 7. Fluvanna CC 8. Greensville CC 9. Haynesville CC 10. Lunenburg CC 11. Pocahontas State Prison 12. St. Brides CC 13. Sussex II State Prison 14. Virginia Correctional Center for Women

 Prior to an offender’s last two years of incarceration Education and Vocational opportunities are emphasized and the offender is transferred to a reentry program closest to their releasing site. Phase I (12-14 months prior to release) Pre CC Four Introduction Seminars (Thinking Reports, Reentry, Elements of CC and Effective Communication) Thinking For a Change Resources for Successful Living PREPS Matrix Substance Abuse Phase II (6-8 months prior to release) Cognitive Community Ready to Work T4C Booster SessionsVictim Impact Process GroupsMaking It On Supervision Guest SpeakersRevitalization Training Resource FairsBonding Letters, Forklift Certification Commencements CeremoniesCRC Certification, ServSafe Certification

Common ingredients in a Cognitive Community Program:  Morning Meeting (AMD)– a time for the community to come together, share information and motivate one another for the day ahead  Afternoon Meeting (PMD) – a time for the community to come together, summarize their day and bring closure for a peaceful night  Structure Board – all community members serve in various roles to contribute to the community development  Awareness – staff and offenders affirm desired behavior  Confrontation – staff and community members offer feedback to one another to assist personal and community development

 Returning Citizens who transition through the Cognitive Community Reentry Program are equipped with the tools needed for a successful transition process to the communities.  Family Reunification Seminars bridge the gap between the community and offender.  Reentry Councils, Winner Circles and Peer Support Groups offer additional transitional support.