- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Women’s Life Skill Program
- Sex Offender Support Group
- Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Re-arrest (STARR)
- Random Urinalysis Program (Drug Testing)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Life Skills curriculum was developed by the National Curriculum & Training Institute (NCTI) and consists of weekly group sessions. Each group is facilitated by certified U.S. Probation Officers, who have completed a NCTI Life Skills certification program. Evidence-based research has shown that CBT programs are directly correlated to reductions in recidivism. The NCTI program is designed to assist male participants with developing critical cognitive thinking skills by exploring how attitudes affect behavior, by identifying ways to gain better self-control, and by establishing a plan to implement positive, goal-directed behavior patterns. The goals of the CBT program are to educate; to provide positive behavior reinforcement; and to challenge participants to examine their criminal thinking. More importantly, the program strives to help participants develop a personal plan to achieve success in their lives and to become a law-abiding contributing member of society. Each group member receives a certificate upon successful completion of this program.
Women’s Life Skill Program
The Women’s Life Skills Program evolved from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program, as the Probation Office recognized that women under supervision face significantly different challenges than their male counterparts. Studies suggest that nearly 90% of incarcerated women have experienced some form of trauma. Group sessions are designed to offer guidance and support to help women overcome negative behavioral patterns, become self-reliant, and enable them to be more productive in their environment. Women learn how to establish positive relationships and understand the process necessary to change negative behavior. The women explore a variety of issues ranging from relationships, life choices, family, decision making, support systems, role models, and violence. The program incorporates guest speakers with expertise in trauma-informed care, domestic violence, and holistic care. Each group member receives a certificate upon successful completion of this program. Groups are facilitated by certified U.S. Probation Officers, who have completed the National Curriculum & Training Institute (NCTI) Life Skills certification program.
Sex Offender Support Group
The sex offender support group is an initiative facilitated by the U.S. Probation Office. The group consists of sex offenders who have successfully completed sex offender specific treatment and are looking to use peer support to continue to process life situations specific to their criminogenic risk factors. The group meets every month to provide emotional support, develop constructive and pro-social strategies to address everyday problems, and to challenge the behaviors and attitudes of the members, as they continue to use the tools they learned in treatment to maintain their law-abiding lifestyle.
Staff Training Aimed at Reducing Re-arrest (STARR)
STARR is a set of skills aimed at helping reduce recidivism. U.S. Probation Officers are trained by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and participate in ongoing peer to peer coaching to further enhance skills. Officers who are trained in STARR techniques assist individuals under supervision with problem solving strategies designed to identify goals, behaviors, consequences, choices, and pro-social supports that can better equip them to be successful during and after their supervision ends. STARR fosters active listening; provides role clarification; and establishes a working alliance between an officer and individuals under supervision. With that being said, STARR also holds individuals accountable for negative behaviors by utilizing bridging skills, which include: effective disapproval; effective punishment or consequences; and effective use of authority.
Random Urinalysis Program (Drug Testing)
This program is designed to support community substance abuse treatment services, ensure compliance with Court ordered conditions by monitoring illicit drug use or prohibited alcohol abuse. Random substance abuse screening serves as a deterrent for some and accountability for others. Based on the results of the testing, the Probation Office explores individualized treatment plans encompassing a client-centered approach. The Random Urinalysis Program requires enrollees to call the U.S. Probation Office at 1-866-971-3931, Sunday through Thursday, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. It is imperative that you call between these hours or you will not know if you are scheduled to submit a urinalysis. You will need to know your PACTS #. Follow the instructions of the message and if instructed, you must report to the U.S. probation Office to submit a urinalysis. If you do not report, you will be considered a no-show and subject to a violation.
If instructed to report for a urine test, you are to report no later than 4:30PM if employed and no later than 3:00PM if you are unemployed. It is your responsibility to let the receptionist know that you are reporting because your number was called for random testing. Please photo identification to enter the building and any doctor's prescriptions to remain in your file. Do NOT drink excessive quantities of fluids. This can cause a dilute specimen. Your specimen will be tested for dilution. With a dilute specimen you may be asked to go back or wait for another test.
If you call between the hours of 6:00PM and 7:30AM and find that the system is down, it is your responsibility to call the office and ask the receptionist if your number was called.