PROGRAM INFORMATION
I. INTRODUCTION -BACKGROUND & HISTORY
II. OBJECTIVES -PROGRAM STRUCTURE
III. TRAINING & RECRUITMENT
IV. INMATES ELIGIBILITY & FOLLOW UP
V. OUTREACH CLIENTS & GOAL
VI. DIRECTIONS TO M.C.I. NORFOLK
VII. VISITOR ENTRY PROCEDURES
VIII. DRESS CODE -MALE & FEMALE -YOUTHS
VISITOR & YOUTHS CONDUCT.
.
INTRODUCTION
The delivery of counseling and educational services
to youth by inmate coordinated programs throughout the Massachusetts Correctional
System has proven to be highly successful. Outreach programs currently
exist at MCI-Norfolk, Bay State Correctional Institution and several coUnty
houses of correction. The proliferation of these programs reflects both
a heightened concern about delinquent crime and a broad consensus that
inmate counseling does help to deter youth from crime.
Although no systematic objective evaluation of the effectiveness of such
p~ograms has been undertaken, there is ample and growing support within
the community to suggest that they are effecting positive changes. The thousands
of young men who annually participate represents a testament to the need
and belief in these programs. The confidence expressed by O.Y.S. staff and
administrators; and other social service agencies has been willing, but
eager to contract the services of inmate counseling, groups.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The concept of prison based juvenile counseling programs
in Massachusetts originated at MCI-Walpole in 1973. Reach Out became the
test case and forerunner for all future efforts. Its success led to the
adoption of various models for counseling/education both delinquent and
pre-delinquent youth through the correctional system.
The most comprehensive and challenging program is
operating at- MCI-Norfolk. Second Thoughts has gained wide support and
commendation From OYS officials. Positive publicity in several newspapers
has reflected favorably both on the program as well as the institution.
In 1980, a proposal was accepted for Project Revamp
to provide counseling services to delinquent youth. Project Revamp is the
parent associate of Second Thoughts. The transition from Project Revamp
to Second Thoughts was, however, more than an expansion and a consonant
with Project Revamp, there has been an evolution in the strategy and approach
to counsellng. There has been a movement in the direction of establ ishing
a longer-term contract between the juvenile center and the program. The
,'
value of an extended committment period is to strive to transcend the
primary focus of educational experiences to therapeutic
relationships.
Second Thoughts continues to advocate the benefit
of informing the youth of the realities of crime but feels an equally compelling
urgency to fulfill the real need for teenagers to be able to talk with someone
who can relate and understand what they are experiencing. For counseling
to be a meaningful and effective, a trusting relationship must be established
and this requires more than a few random visits.
Thus the orientation for Second Thoughts is for a
more comprehensive and in depth approach. Accordingly, the training is
more extensive and challenging. A diverse array of agencies and resources
are utilized during the training cycles in an effort to broaden the skills
of the counselors.
In the past several years, Second Thoughts has counseled
hundreds of youths from the juvenile facilities affiliated with the Department
of Youth Services. Second Thoughts is currently providing counseling services
to the Judge J. Connolley Youth Center, Westboro Secure Treatment, C.H.O
Central Treatment(Westboro) , City Year, and many other "at risk" youth
programs.
OBJECTIVES
A. To provide counseling services to delinquent youths conined to D.Y.S.
facilities.
B. To provide a public service to the community by using an inmate population
as agents for change in deterring delinquent youths from crime.
C. To provide a positive and constructive activity at MCI-NorFolk. There
is definite rehabilitative value in such programs. It is logical and tenable
to assert that inmates gain therapeutically both from working through their
personal problems during training sessions, and from working with youths
directly.
D. To promote improved relations with the community. A valuable opportunity
exists to enhance the image of inmates as well as the institution by giving
something back to the community.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The administration of the program shall be conducted
by a board of directors elected by a majority vote. Only the directors shall
elect and vote new members to the board of directors.
TRAINING
The decision to hold a training cycle is determined
by the Second Thoughts Board of Directors. During and annual period, as
many as three training cycles may be held depending on the need to recruit
new members. In addition, the training periods provide as opportunity for
review and new learning experiences for all members of the program.
A training cycle may extend from sixteen to twenty
weeks and is comprised of three separate components.
1) We often schedule guest speakers to give a presentation of a specific
counseling topic. The topics are logically developed from the most fundamental
introductory issues to more complicated counseling themes. The guest speakers
are enlisted from mental health personnel within the prison: Sexual Offender's
Treatment Counselor; Drugs & Alcohol; as well as the Psychological
Services branch of the Department Corrections.
2) Training in group therapy supplements the weekly counseling presentation.
This is an independent training component with an emphasis placed on developmental
stages and the specific tasks required of group facilitators. The goal
is to acquire an understanding of group dynamics.
3) A separate time period is allotted for role plays. These exercises
in psychodrama are important to allow trainees to apply and experience the
theoretical knowledge.
All counseling education conforms to a well defined
training philosophy. Second Thoughts training is designed to familiarize
the trainees with Fundamental counseling concepts. It is intended to provide
the counselors with insights and practical applications of psychological
knowledge. At the same time, a deliberate effort is made not to engage
in extensive theoretical abstractions of physchological concepts. It is
an approach which is decidely eclectic and basic. Above all, the goal is
to develop a disciplined approach to counseling with a genuine concern for
developing healthy relationships. We, inmate counselors are not professionals,
but it is important to recognize both the opportunities and limitations
inherent in such a therapeutic mode. The training should instill honest
and realistic expectations about what we can accomplish in counseling.
The greatest asset inmate counselors; possess is their
life experiences which are unique. As incarcerated offenders, we have a
set of experiences which enable us to establish a rapport with incarcerated
youths at D.Y.S. facilities that is not accessible to professional
therapists. Thus, our strengths as well as our limitations are explored
in an effort to further define our role as counselors.
RECRUITMENT
Recruitment and selection is critical to the effectiveness
of the program. It is essential therefore, to screen men on the basis of
maturity, responsibility, and attitude. Although this criteria may seem
to be somewhat subjective and problematic, it has proven to be more reliable
than applying impersonal application methods.
ELIGIBILITY
Inmates applying to participate in the program are
given an intensive questionnaire. Each applicant is required to complete
the questionnaire and meet with the board members individually to review
it. It is an opportunity For the board members and the applicants to become
better acquainted and share their views and expectations for participation.
During this meeting a copy of the rules and regulations are reviewed with
the applicants to clarify any misunderstandings. The board members ask that
each applicant make a minimum one year commitment. The program invests a
substantial amount of time and energy toward training each new member. In
essence, this is a forum to communicate to all prospective members that counseling
is difficult to work requiring a sincere commitment.
After initial screening, the names are submitted to
the Director of Treatment and the Inner Perimeter Security. The Administration
will screen both the criminal and institutional record of the applicants
based on an established criteria. As a juvenile counseling program, Massachusetts
Law prohibits participation by men who have I been convicted of sexual
offenses.
WEEKLY SUPERVISION
At the close of each week, the group meets to review
the counseling session. It is a valuable opportunity for constructive feedback,
assistance, and supervision. Each counselor ofFers his insights on the
group therapy sessions and may request assistance or quidelines in his
individual counseling with his client. this "Follow-up" period affords
the counselors with an opportunity to enlarge and enhance their understanding
of the clients as well as each other. It facilitates greater cohesion and
unity within the group. Also, it serves as a focal point and sense of direction
for forthcoming sessions. This is a process of ongoing training.
The community advisors play an active role in these
sessions by providing a professional perspective and supervision. In addition,
clinical staff from the participating juvenile centers may be periodically
invited to attend. Their observations are welcome and necessary if we are
to coordinate our counseling with their treatment" model.
COUNSELING FORMAT
The counseling sessions last for two and one
half hours. We deal with issues regarding: drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure,
violent behavior, and family; relationships. The group sessions may be highly
structured, but a therapeutic model encouraging free flowing interaction
is the ideal. There is usually a fifteen minute break in between for refreshments.
OUTREACH CLIENTS
The primary source of clients for the program is the
Department of Youth Services. Paralleling the overcrowding within the adult
correctional system, D.Y.S. is confronted witH the challenge of providing
treatment services to a growing population. The high rate of recidivism among
youth offfenders is a priority for D.Y.S. and a concern for everyone. They
have' increasingly engaged community based programs is an effort to broaden
their resources and involve the public.
O.Y.S. has eagerly availed themselves to inmate counseling
programs. The sentiment within the Department of Youth Services is that,
"it is very valuable to the treatment process, as it relates to helping
to combat the high recidivism rate that is evidenced throughout the system.
"
Transportation arrangements are the responsibility
of the participating facilities. Although transportation has posed an instrumental
problem for some facilities, most D.Y.S. institutions have been willing
and able to commit the necessary staff personnel to meet the security procedures
for transporting youths.
OUR GOAL?
As we have already .ade "bad choices" in life, we
will strive to give the kids "Second Thoughts" about leading a life of
crime!
DIRECTIONS TO MCI-NORFOLK
From Boston: Take Route 93 South/Southeast Expressway to the Braintree
split at Route 3, Take Routes 128/93 to Route 95 South, Take Route 1 South/Wrentham
exit. Follow past Foxboro Stadium to the third set of traffic lights (Lafayette
House Restaurant on right). Turn right onto Pine Street. At the stop sign,
turn right. Pine Street joins Route 115. At the first set of traffic lights,
turn right onto Route 1A North. Go past Caritas Southwood Hospital and
up a steep hill past MCI-Cedar junction at the top. Take the first left
onto Winter Street. Continue on Winter Street for approximately 1/2 mile.
MCI-Norfolk is the 2nd prison on the left.
From North: Take Route 495 South to exit 15A (Route 1A North/Wrentham).
Go approximately 9 miles and through 2 sets of traffic lights. Go past Caritas
Southwood Hospital and up a steep hill past MCI-Cedar junction at the top.
Take first left onto Winter Street. Continue on Winter Street for approximately
1/2 mile. MCI-Norfolk is the 2nd prison on the left
.
From South: Take Route 495 North to exit 14A (Route 1 North). Follow
Route 1 North past the Foxboro State Police barracks to the first set of
traffic lights (Lafayette House Restaurant on left). Turn left onto Pine
Street. At the stop sign, turn right. Pine Street joins Route 115. At the
first set of traffic lights, turn right onto Route 1 A North. Go past Caritas
Southwood Hospital and up a steep hill pas MCI-Cedar junction at the
top. Take the first left onto Winter Street. Continue on Winter Street
for approximately 1/2 mile. MCI-Norfolk is the 2nd prison on the left.
From East: Take Route 140 West to the center ofWrentham. Take a right
at the set of traffic lights onto Route 1 A North. Go past Caritas Southwood
Hospital and up a steep hill past MCI-Cedar junction at the top. Take the
first left onto Winter Street. Continue on Winter Street for .approximately
1/2 mile. MCI-Norfolk is the 2nd prison on the left.
From West: Take the Massachusetts Turnpike to Route 495 South to exit
15A (Route 1A North/Wrentham). Go approximately 9 mi1es and through 2 sets
of traffic lights. Go past Caritas Southwood Hospital and up a steep hill
past MCI-Cedar junction at the top. Take the first left onto Winter Street.
Continue on Winter Street for approximately 1/2 mile. MCI-Norfolk is the
2nd prison on the left.
VISITOR ENTRANCE PROCEEDURE
THE ONLY ITEMS THAT YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO BRING INTO THE INSTITUTION
ARE:
A .LOCKER KEY
B. LIFE SAVING MEDICATIONS
C. MATERIAL RELATED TO PROGRAM (W/APPROVAL)
(All STAFF MUST ENSURE THAT THE YOUTHS HAVE "NOTHING" ON
THEIR PERSON THAT WILL
JEOPADIZE THEMSELVES OR THE PROGRAM. PLEASE HAVE THEM RE-CHECK THEIR POCKETS
PRIOR TO ENTERING THE PRISON [I.E. GUM, CANDY, WRAPPERS, PAPER, ETC.]
)
IF ANY VISOTOR IS FOUND WITH ANYTHING IN THEIR POCKETS, ONCE THEY ENTER
THE
TRAP, THEY WILL BE REFUSED ENTRY INTO THE PRISON
.
Upon entering the trap you will be asked to remove your belt, shoes,
outer wear (i.e. coats, sweaters & multiple shirts). These items will
be searched by one of the trap oFFicers.
The search of the day: This search is selected by the Shift Commander
and is run for 24 hrs. For instance, if the search of the day is "pat search
every fourth person" then every fourth person who passes through the trap,
will be subject to that search.
DRESS CODE:
GENERAL RULES
1. Footwear must be worn by all visitors.
2. No jewelry, other than traditional wedding ring and/or traditional
engagement ring (i.e. diamond-left ring finger), medical alert bracelet/necklace,
one (1) religious medal (necklace type only).
3. Clothing that is ripped, torn or with holes is not allowed.
4. Bobby pins, curlers, hair clips, hair scrunches, headbands, and detachable
shoulder pads are not allowed to be worn by visitors into the institution.
5. Gloves and scarves are not allowed to be worn by visitors into the
institution.
6. Any type of appliance, brace, ace bandage, cast, dressing, must be
removable For thorough search and/or visibly searchable.
7. At the discretion of the Shift Commander or his/her designee, any
article of clothing worn by the visitor, displaying obscene, racial,
sexual, or any other offensive statement, pictures, caricatures, or symbols
and gang affiliation, will not be allowed.
8. Sweatpants or jogging suits with an elastic waistband is not allowed
regardless of material. Maternity clothes worn by pregnant women will be
allowed.
9. All visitors must have shirts tucked in. At no time will visitors or
inmates be allowed to wear shirts that are untucked while in the visiting
room.
10. All hairpieces must be searched.
11. Farmer jeans and bib-coveralls are not allowed.
12. All visitors are required to wear appropriate and/or traditional undergarments.
13. No bathing suits or shorts (All) including culottes.
14. No double layered clothing on the lower half of the person.
"ADULT" MALE VISITORS:
1. No blue, black, or gray denim dungarees, jeans, coats, vests, or jackets.
2. No fatigue or camouflage clothing.
3. No tank tops, muscle shirts (unless worn as an undergarment "T-shirt").
4. No shorts allowed
5. No clothing similar to that issued to uniformed personnel.
",JUVENILE" MALE VISITORS:
All above restrictions shall apply to juvenile male visitors also, except
#1 (regarding jeans) The youths are allowed to wear jeans and/or DYS issued
clothing, into the institution.
FEMALE VISITORS:
1. No tights, leotards, body suits of dance/exercise Fashion, halter or
tank tops (unless an undergarment), or clothing that reveals the midrift,
or expose the back beyond the upper shoulder area.
2. No low cut or excessively revealing clothing.
3. Dresses or skirts are not allowed to exceed (4) inches above the knees
to include skirts with slit extending four (4) inches above the knee.
4. No nylons, pantyhose, or underwear with holes in the crotch area.
IT IS A FELONY IN MASSACHUSETTS FOR ANY PERSON TO DELIVER ANY ARTICLE
WHATSOEVER TO AN INMATE WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OR COMMISSIONER
(OR TO PROCURE AN ARTICLE TO BE DELIVERED, TO POSSESS IT WITH INTENT TO
DELIVER IT OR TO DEPOSIT OR CONCEAL IT WITH INTENT THAT AN INMATE SHALL
OBTAIN IT).
UPON ENTERING, VISITORS MUST DISCLOSE TO THE ADMITTING OR SEARCHING OFFICER(S)
ANY ARTICLE THEY ARE CARRYING ON THEIR PERSON EXCEPT THE CLOTHES THAT THEY
ARE WEARING. ANYONE WHO ATTEMPTS TO CARRY IN OR OUT OF THE INSTITUTION
ANY ARTICLE WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ADMITTING OR SEARCHING OFFICER(S)
(I.E. WEAPONS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, OR ALCOHOL) SHALL BE LIABLE TO ARREST
AND LOSS OF VISITING PRIVILEGES.
THIS PROVISION IS POSTED IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH IN THE LOBBY OF THE INSTITUTION.
CONDUCT OF VISITORS (ESPECIALLY THE YOUTHS):
Visitors shall be expected to dress and conduct themselves reasonably
and not to engage in physical contact with inmates that is excessive or
inappropriate for a public plaCe.
DYS STAFF IS RESPONSOBLE FR ENSURING THAT THE YOUTHS ARE IN COMPLIANCE
TO THE INST'ITUTIONAL RULES:
1. No horse playing
2. No disrespecting the officers
3. No talking back to officers
4. No disrespecting inmates visits coming in
5. Having nothing in their pockets or on their person upon entry
A VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE ABOVE WILL JEOPARDlZE THE FACILITY (OR YOUTH)
FROM COMING BACK TO THE INSTITUTION
.
IN ADDITION, ANYTHING ACTION THAT BRINGS NEGATlVE LIGHT TO THE PROGRAM,
CAN/WILL LEAD TO THE DEMISE OF THE SECOND THOUGHTS PROGRAM .
FEMALE VISITORS
: .
FEMALES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE PHYSlCAL CONTACT WITH ANY INMATE ( I.E.
HUGS OR KISSES), OTHER THAN A NORMAL HANDSHAKE.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PRISON RULES AND REGULATIONS,
PLEASE CONTACT THE DIRECTOR OF TREATMENT @ 781-668-0800 x 254; OR YOU, MAY
CONTACT THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR AT THE ADDRESS ON THE LETTERHEAD
.
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND ADHERENCE TO THE INSTITUTIONAL
RULES.
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