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Programs & Services

WD/NY Resourced Handbook

 

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 (RUP)

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.   If instructed to do so, they must report to the U.S. Probation Office or designated drop site to submit a urinalysis sample.