You asked about (1) educational opportunities in prison and whether educational professionals are involved, (2) whether programs address recidivism, (3) what types of mental health treatments are available to prisoners, and (4) whether there are different programs available to men and women.

The Department of Correction (DOC) offers a long list of programs at correctional facilities. Not all programs are available in all facilities and not all programs are available in both men's and women's facilities. Table 1 below lists DOC educational programs that are widely available at both men's and women's facilities. A number of vocational programs are available only at men's or women's facilities. For example, the following programs are offered only at men's facilities: Building Maintenance, Graphics & Print Technology, and Small Engine Repair. The following programs are offered only at women's facilities: Certified Nurse's Aide Program and Cosmetology/Barbering.

DOC uses both professionals and volunteers in its programs. Attached is a copy of the annual report from DOC's Volunteer and Recreation Services that describes the programs they are involved with.

Many of DOC's programs address issues of recidivism either directly or indirectly. Deputy Commissioner Jack Tokarz, in his introduction to the Compendium of Programs and Services, states that DOC places "priority on programs that help us keep our facilities running safely and that are associated with reductions in recidivism." Since almost all inmates return to the community, he states that it is their "responsibility to do whatever we can do to reduce the probability that these inmates will re-offend." DOC divides programs into a number of categories and many of these could address issues that affect recidivism. Table 2 lists some DOC addiction and transition programs that are available at both men's and women's facilities. In addition, other programs in different categories, like self-improvement, may address recidivism.

An OLR Report is in progress that will provide further information. It will follow upon completion.

DOC's Compendium of Programs and Services lists all DOC programs and specifies where they are offered. Attached is a copy of the Compendium. There are many programs specific to certain institutions. Correctional industries are an example. Metal working shop is categorized as institutional employment and vocational education and it is only available at the MacDougall Correctional Institution. The York Correctional Institution in Niantic houses all of Connecticut's women prisoners. Table 3 lists some DOC programs that are available only at York.

Table 1: Educational Programs

Academic Education	Vocational Education
Adult Basic Education	Apprenticeship Programs
General Educational Development	Commercial Cleaning
Literacy Volunteers of America	Micro Computers/Computer Education
Post-Secondary Programs	Culinary Arts
Special Education and Pupil Services	Tech Prep Program
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Table 2: Examples of Programs Addressing Recidivism

Addiction	Transition
Addiction Service Programs	CT Talent Assistance Cooperative-Education Opportunity Center (assists with post-secondary and financial aid)
Alcoholics Anonymous	Educational, Career Resources, and Job Fairs
Narcotics Anonymous	Pre-release information groups, programs, seminars, and training
Peer Mentor Program	Stride Program (services for certain individuals such as housing, employment, and clothing)
Sponsorship Behind the Walls (12 step recovery)	Transition/School to Work
	Transitional Linkage into the Community (planning for inmates with HIV/AIDS)

Table 3: Programs Only Available at the

York Correctional Institution

Courage to Change (addiction issues)	Meditation Group-Social Rehabilitation Program
The Center for Women and Families (counseling)	Rehabilitating the Self
Interpersonal/Assertiveness Training	Stress Management

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