You asked about services available to inmates in prisons, which services are available in which facilities, and whether certain services are mandatory.

The Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) offers an extensive array of programs and services for inmates. Programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, parenting, anger management, domestic violence counseling, health education, sex offender treatment, and religious services.  DOC publishes a list of all of these programs in its Compendium of Programs and Services for Offender Population. This list also indicates which programs are available in specific facilities. A copy of the Compendium, last updated July 30, 2007, is attached. DOC's website also includes links for a list of the programs available in each specific facility: http://www.ct.gov/doc/cwp/view.asp?a=1492&Q=265596.

According to DOC, the only programs mandated for offenders are education for those under age 18 and special education for those under age 21. DOC has an Offender Management Plan designed with each inmate for treatment and programming during an inmate's incarceration. DOC strongly encourages offenders to participate in programs identified in their plan “to better prepare themselves for the opportunity for discretionary release and successful community reintegration.” DOC states that these programs target issues common to offenders such as substance abuse, illiteracy, anger and aggression, antisocial behavior, cognitive deficits, domestic violence, and parenting skills.

Attached is a copy of the Offender Management Plan.

CR:ts