Justice Services is committed to providing research-based, highly accountable Best Practices treatment programs to our clients. The individualized treatment programs are designed to target the identified criminogenic needs of the clients.
Justice Services has been providing diversion and sentencing alternative programs to courts and prosecutors for the past twenty-two years. Through our programs, thousands of distressed men and women whose lives have been disrupted by alcoholism, drug dependencies, violence, theft, and arrest have made dramatic and rewarding changes in their lives.
Our goal is to restore the client to a more satisfying, rewarding way of life while concurrently lowering the rate of recidivism in the criminal justice system. We also offer support and care, not only for the client, but family members and victims as well. Our professional staff members are specially trained, educated and experienced in counseling techniques, psychological principals, alcoholism, drug dependency, and criminal justice.
Recovery is a process that takes time but the vast majority of Justice Services’ clients can return to the community to live healthy, productive, and manageable lives. Everyone wins in the process of correctional treatment. Corrective classes lead to changed behavior and fewer arrests for offenders, education and safety of victims, and thus a reduction in the escalating costs of an overburdened criminal justice system.
Domestic Violence
Justice Services is dedicated to the development and exchange of information based on the evolving research of domestic violence treatment and prevention. The goal of the domestic violence program is an immediate and complete cessation of violence in domestic violence cases. We have developed a model that incorporates several theories and approaches of psychotherapy while focusing on abuse. The program is based on a cognitive/behavioral psychoeducational approach.
- Stop violent, controlling behavior;
- Accept personal responsibility for abusive behavior;
- Commit to change;
- Understand unique factors in the violence cycle;
- Master new behaviors.
A 2000 study of Justice Services’ Domestic Violence Program found that of program completers, the recidivism rate was only 2%. Studies have demonstrated through the years the effectiveness of Justice Services’ Treatment Programs.
DUI
Arizona, like other states, face the revolving door challenge of DUI violators reverting to criminal behavior patterns, failing to meet the conditions of community release, creating new victims and jeopardizing public safety. These failures substantially increase law enforcement, supervision, judicial processing and incarceration costs.
The Justice Services, Inc.’s programs will interrupt each assigned woman violator’s pattern of substance abuse and assist her to develop life-enhancing cognitive skills and attitudes. Justice Services, Inc. will utilize proven behavior change technologies to confront entrenched, dysfunctional patterns of behavior including substance abuse, chronic criminal behavior patterns, neglect of parental responsibilities, resistance to authority and lack of follow through with school and work. Cost-effective and impactful treatment is needed which can be delivered to target offenders’ entrenched addiction patterns. Justice Services, Inc. proposes an innovative program that combines effective information systems, intensive supervision and treatment within the Substance Abuse Offender Treatment Program for this population of female offenders in Perrryville Prison. The proposed program will utilize a combination of offender accountability, high intensity education and treatment and state-of-the art correctional technology to interrupt this dangerous addiction cycle for these offenders. Following evaluation and program orientation, each client will participate in a treatment regimen that requires program compliance and is designed to motivate behavior change in a population that is traditionally treatment-resistant. The program will be applied to the substance abusing clients placed in treatment, tracked, and supervised by Justice Services, Inc.’s substance abuse treatment staff. This intervention will provide participants with a focused opportunity to overcome their addictions utilizing state of the art correctional behavior change technology. The complete program is described below in addressing the items in this RFP 010098DC.
Justice Services, Inc.’s philosophy is that effective treatment must be holistic and gender specific. In other words, substance abuse treatment must address aspects of the client’s life in addition to the client’s actual drug use. Treatment must also be designed specifically for women or men. Replication of programs designed for men are inappropriate and ineffective for women (and vise versa). At a minimum, treatment for women must be relational in nature and address parenting, relationships, domestic violence, education, vocation and life skills as well as drug use and criminal activity.
Anger Management
The anger management/PEACE Program is designed to provide a structured group format that can be utilized by the majority of defendants arrested for assaultive offenses. The program function is not to punish or humiliate, but to give people an opportunity to examine their behavior and make changes. It is the goal of the program to prevent further arrests while upholding, and even strengthening, the dignity and self-respect of participants.
The Justice Services’ bi-lingual, bi-cultural anger management model for treatment incorporates many theories and approaches to psychotherapy, yet focuses on the primary issue of violence. The treatment therapy is based on cognitive-behavioral, psychoeducational treatment Best Practices model. The flexibility of the PEACE program allows the Justice Services’ professional staff of trained therapists to fit the materials to the needs of the participants, needs determined by completion of an extensive psychological/sociological history, psychological test, and questionnaires.
The program includes lectures, individual sharing and exercises, and group experiential exercises based on current literature and research of experts in the fields of anger management, violence, and abusive behavior.
The didactic counseling, never shame-based nor punitive, encourages responsibility for behavior, accountability of actions, and ownership of emotions. The program demands that offenders recognize the consequences of further criminal behavior. The success of the Justice Services’ Programs has shown these steps to be effective in preventing additional unwanted, illegal behavior.
The Anger Management groups are designed to be educational as well as therapeutic. The PEACE program provides a structured, cognitive behavioral group format. The primary focus is on anger management and how it affects behavior. The Program is designed to help the participants take responsibility for positive change in their lives by better understanding their own perceptions, attitudes and behavior.
- Personal Responsibility/Values/Self-image
- Stress Management Skills
- Communication Improvement
- Alternatives to Violence
- Denial and Cognitive Distortions
- Self-Defeating Behaviors
- Anger Management Skills
- Conflict Resolution & Problem-solving
- Goal-Setting Techniques
- Commitment to Behavioral Change
- Impacts of Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Arizona Statutes and Criminal Codes
Shoplifting/Theft
The Shoplifting Program is designed to explore the personal, legal, and social ramifications of illegal behavior. The program is structured to help defendants to understand and appreciate the laws governing their behavior, to identify the stressful and problem areas in their lives that frequently contribute to petty theft, to discover new tools for making positive change and to resolve the problems that may have contributed to the shoplifting behavior. In most cases, the individual will be forced to recognize the consequences of further shoplifting behavior. The low two percent recidivism rate based on a ten (10) year study of the Scottsdale Shoplifting Diversion Program has shown these steps to be effective in preventing additional shoplifting and theft behavior.
The program function is not to punish or humiliate, but to give people the opportunity to examine their values, emotions, and behavior and make changes. The goal is to prevent further shoplifting while upholding and even strengthening the dignity and self-respect of participants.
Participants in the Shoplifting groups are given “tools” with which to better cope with the stress factors in their lives. The Justice Services' staff of counselors and educators brings a wealth of training and experience to assist the participants in learning to accept the responsibilities for, and consequences of their actions. In addition to the information and training that is given, the group process provides the clients with insight into value systems, self-improvement and goal setting. Curriculum includes the following:
- Personal Responsibility
- Consequences of Behavior
- Long & Short-Term Goal-Setting
- Wants vs. Needs
- Guidelines for Income Budgeting
- Stress Skills
- Assertive Training
- Guidelines for Self-Improvement
- Value Systems
- Improved Self-Esteem
Justice Services offers a theft program which covers the curriculum covered in the shoplifting program, but is considerably more comprehensive. The cognitive/behavioral therapeutic program is designed for the more serious offender with repeated theft or other criminal convictions. This offender does not meet the profile of the “typical” shoplifter, and needs a more in-depth treatment program. This program additionally deals with the impact of alcohol and drug abuse and the problems of habitual offenders.
Aftercare Programs
Relapse Prevention education teaches participants to identify early warning signs of relapse and encourages more appropriate alternatives. The Relapse Prevention Group is intended to provide the client with insight and tools to help prevent the return to criminal or drug/alcohol use/abuse. The group will teach the client to recognize warning signs of relapse and to intervene long before drug use resumes. Using the Relapse Prevention model, participants identify the specific strengths and weaknesses of their addictive behavior and thus make better decisions with regard to alcohol and drugs. Participants are taught that they are not powerless over habitual patterns and impulsive decision-making. The goal of the Relapse Prevention program is for participants to develop a personal relapse plan based on what they learn about the relapse process, triggers, coping with stress, lifestyle balance and the recovery process. Relapse prevention strategies are developed and implemented which ultimately reduce the parolee’s likelihood of relapse.
Using the Relapse Prevention model, participants identify the specific strengths and weaknesses of their addictive behavior and thus make better decisions with regard to alcohol and drugs. Participants are taught that they are not powerless over habitual patterns and impulsive decision-making. The goal of the Relapse Prevention program is for participants to develop a personal relapse plan based on what they learn about the relapse process, triggers, coping with stress, lifestyle balance and the recovery process. Relapse prevention strategies are developed and implemented which ultimately reduce the likelihood of relapse.
Broad in scope, the offenders will recognize their own triggers to relapse and will have developed skills needed to prevent relapse such as recognizing and handling thoughts, cravings or physical desires to use drugs, relapse warning signs, high-risk situations, building drug-free friendships and balanced lifestyles. Motivation to enter community treatment and get involved in 12-Step or mutual help groups after release is encouraged. Transition planning identifies social, economic, and vocational problems to be resolved to help the client remain drug and crime-free. Planning in the final weeks before program release needs to emphasize actual links to services.
-Connections with probation and parole officers -Connections and individualized planning with community treatment providers to provide continuity between in-custody treatment and the treatment in the community -Case management will be provided by Justice Services, Inc.
Graduation testimonies will be carried out before the assembled treatment community and ADOC staff upon the client’s completion of all program requirements. It consists of the clients presenting what has been learned in the program, how it has helped them and suggestions for the staff concerning how to make the program better. This is a time of celebration for the clients and staff.
The Aftercare Program is offered to all Justice Services' clients who want to further educate themselves about the recovery process. It is for clients who have completed other Justice Services' programs and desire a more personalized, comprehensive plan to help in their recovery process. Aftercare Program components include the following:
- Self-Esteem Assessment
- Role of Exercise & Nutrition in Recovery
- Spirituality vs. Religion
- Exploration of Feelings
- Role of Substitute Addictions in Recovery
- Community Resources for Life Long Support
- Personal Barriers that Block Success
- Individual Assessment of Strengths and Weaknesses
A Relapse Prevention, consisting of the inmate’s stated goals, identified relapse triggers, general education regarding pharmacological options (used to treat symptoms or cravings), and stress reduction techniques will be completed prior to the client’s leaving the program. The plan shall include specific names and addresses for housing, jobs, treatment providers, and sponsors.
Underage Drinking
The Underage Drinker Program at Justice Services is an early intervention, psycho-educational approach for late teens and young adults who have used alcohol and/or other drugs and are considered to be at high risk for alcohol-related problems. The program is designed to educate people about alcohol and alcohol abuse so they can take measures to protect themselves from it. It also targets those at risk for alcoholism by providing new information about the illness to motivate them to change their risk-taking behaviors. The program includes lecture, videos, class participation, and exercises designed to evaluate the sociological, psychological, and biological components of alcohol use.
Justice Services recognizes that late teens and young adults have special life problems and personal needs. In this population, alcohol problems are often symptomatic of larger problems within the “family,” including significant others. The Underage Drinker Program provides group treatment opportunities for meeting the needs of these young adults. New skills are enhanced through self-disclosure, giving and receiving positive and negative feedback, problem solving, conflict resolution and mediation, negotiation, assertiveness, coping with peer pressure, and developing communication skills. Setting realistic personal goals without the use of chemicals is stressed.
The Justice Services’ Underage Drinker Program is designed to provide a structured group format for those who have been arrested for underage alcohol possession or consumption. The program is conducted by a professional staff of trained therapists who have been educated and/or certified in all aspects of chemical dependency.
Through didactic educational material, information is reinforced, myths broken, and, where applicable, materials are directed to specific needs of those clients who present with issues of alcohol abuse and/or addiction. The educational process is never shame-based or punitive inasmuch as shame and guilt are both pervasive in those who abuse or are addicted to alcohol. Throughout the program responsibility and accountability for one’s behavior is encouraged and reinforced.
Sex Offenses
The Sex Offender Treatment Program reflects Justice Services’ years of experience working with this difficult problem. It also reflects the most current research on the management of sexual misbehavior. The Sex Offense Treatment Program is designed to provide a safe, supervised environment to address the addictive behavior of the sex offender.
Sexual misbehavior is not an accident. It is the result of a series of choices made by the defendant. These choices involve behaviors, thoughts and feelings. Sexual misbehavior is the result of a chain of events that involve prior choices that make the illegal sexual act inevitable. If offenders can recognize these early thoughts, feelings and behaviors, they can be helped on the road to recovery.
- Vulnerability to sex offending
- The Sex Offense Cycle
- Role of “grooming”
- Escapism and “need-fulfilling” fantasies
- Assertiveness and assertiveness skills
- Feelings (i.e., rejection, transitory guilt, shame)
- Insight into denial
- Healthy boundaries
- “Acting Out” behavior
- Commitment to Behavioral Change
- Roles of Alcohol/Drug Abuse & Dependency
Parenting Classes
The goal of the Parent Assistance Program is to assist parents and families in reducing the risk of abuse in the home. Families have many stressors from inside and outside the family that create the environment for abusive and violent behavior. The Parent Assistance Program is designed to increase coping skills to face problems as they occur. Families that are resilient can deal with problems and stress in a manner that strengthens the family unit.
Parenting skills are learned behavior. If a person did not get positive parenting skills modeled as a child, they will struggle as an adult to function well as a parent. Parents learn specific skills to address problems in the family. Effective discipline requires patience and understanding and includes consistency, firmness and kindness. An orderly, predictable, enriching environment facilitates growth. The Parent Assistance Program includes the following components:
- Family Systems
- Communication Skills
- Substance Abuse
- Boundaries and Assertiveness
- Positive Parenting
- Nurturing Self-esteem in Children
- Raising Responsible Children
- Effective Discipline
- Love in the Home
Juvenile Treatment
The exploding issues confronting the juvenile justice system pose some of the most challenging problems in our country today. Our traditional methods of treating juvenile offenders have been overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the problems presented. Violent juvenile crime, major drug/alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancies and drop-out rates, demand coordinated and dedicated efforts by all system members.
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Justice Services offers a continuum of highly effective services:
- Psycho-social assessments,
- Monitoring,
- Tracking,
- Treatment programs for juveniles,
- Parenting classes,
- Electronic monitoring,
- Remote alcohol testing technology,
- Monitored urinalysis testing,
- Anger management classes.
Justice Services is dedicated to providing effective treatment at a reasonable cost. Justice Services has no “Wait List” so families can be seen immediately when ordered. Corrective classes lead to changed behavior and fewer arrests for juveniles, education and safety of victims, and a reduction in the escalating costs of an overburdened juvenile justice system. A proprietary, state-of-the-art computer database provides tracking and reporting and is a powerful tool to the agencies served.
Justice Services, Inc. uses cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches with juvenile populations. The curriculum is based on a workbook based program (MRT) with a reading level suitable for juveniles designed by Dr. Kenneth Robinson.
Ann Wallace, Director of the 3rd Judicial District Drug Court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, reports that 65% of those youth using the MRT curriculum who have graduated from the Juvenile Drug Court program have not reoffended. Ms. Wallace states, “our counselors believe that MRT has been a success because not only does it provide a mechanism for counselors to hold our drug court participants accountable, it offers an opportunity for the participants to hold each other accountable. The MRT steps help individuals see what choices in the past led them to where they are today and advances them through a process where they begin to practice honesty and can now say they choose to behave in a certain manner because it is the right choice to take.”
According to Ms. Wallace, “our counselors believe that MRT has been a success because not only does it provide a mechanism for counselors to hold our drug court participants accountable, it offers an opportunity for the participants to hold each other accountable. The MRT steps help individuals see what choices in the past led them to where they are today and advances them through a process where they begin to practice honesty and can now say they choose to behave in a certain manner because it is the right choice to make.”
Justice Services’ juvenile program will have the same results because our structured MRT program follows the same principles as the Third Judicial District Drug Court. Justice Services believes that clients must accept responsibility for problems, symptoms, situations, and emotions, before they are able to change. Taking responsibility acknowledges the problem, demonstrates honesty about it, and puts the client in the position to change. Clients become accountable for their behavior, feelings, and choices. Many difficulties in life can be traced to a clients’ perceived helplessness, blame of others, and justification or minimization of their behavior. It is regularly stressed to the clients that while they may not be responsible for all situations, they are 100 percent responsible at all times for their behavior. Improvement is realized when the defendants take ownership for their behavior. The atmosphere for change is strengthened when the clients are exposed to concise therapeutic responsibilities and the consequences for not upholding them. Justice Services focuses on changing problematic behaviors by teaching the defendants how to create environments whereby positive emotions are encouraged and can be openly expressed in an atmosphere of order and predictability.
Juvenile Programs
- Domestic Violence
- Anger Management
- Alcohol and Drug Education & Treatment
- Shoplifting/Theft
- Sex Offenses
- Underage Drinking
- Aftercare
Justice Services has recently partnered with BI, Inc. of Boulder, CO, to provide electronic monitoring technology. BI currently monitors 22,000 offenders daily throughout the country. The research and pioneering technology of BI will enhance the ability of Justice Services to reduce noncompliance of this juvenile offender population.
