Adult Correctional Education
Parolee Education Programs

Director, Lynn Mackey
925.942.5302
lmackey@cccoe.k12.ca.us

The Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has collaborated with the Contra Costa County Office of Education to develop educational programs designed to reduce the number of parolees returning to prison.  Classes are conducted at parole offices and jail facilities throughout the state.

Computerized Literacy Learning Centers

A series of Computerized Literacy Learning Centers has been implemented in Parole Offices statewide offering adult basic education in reading, writing, math, G.E.D., and résumé writing. By offering curriculum and instruction via computers, participants learn at their own pace and are offered lessons tailored to meet their individual learning needs.

A PE report has shown a correlation between functional literacy and employment. Today's employers require basic literacy skills that many parolees do not have. More than half read below the sixth grade level and about 70% of them are unemployed. Lack of literacy and employability skills are primary barriers to parole success. Without gainful employment, today's parolees are at a high risk of returning to prison.

The Parolee Education Program Computerized Literacy Learning Centers offer parolees reading, writing and math lessons via computer-assisted learning format. An evaluation of the program after two years of operation showed that parolees increased reading and math skills by an average of two grade levels.

PEP programs are located in parole offices throughout the state.

Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery

The STAR (Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery) program is a curriculum-based educational program designed to motivate parolee substance abusers to participate in post-release recovery activities. New skills are presented which help individuals understand the relapse process and prepare for smooth, drug free community transition.

The core components of the STAR Curriculum address the Process of Addiction, the Process of Recovery, Anger Management, and Community Transition as well as other essential elements that provide participants with information designed to facilitate substance abuse recovery.  The curriculum addresses denial and stimulates individual growth through active participation.

The five-step process model of instruction is used to help parolees develop a new understanding of their substance abuse problem.

The parolee is motivated to make lifestyle changes. This educational path facilitates disclosure and provides motivation. It also is designed to help parolees understand the thoughts, feelings and events that trigger relapse. Overall, the program helps them develop insight into core issues involved in changing values and behaviors.

In Custody Drug Treatment Program

Parolees who are failing in the community or in the parole office STAR class can begin their recovery, while still on parole, in an In Custody Drug Treatment Program (ICDTP). 

ICDTP classes are held in county jail facilities while parolees serve 60 days. After the completion of the in-custody phase of the program, participants are required to complete 30 days of residential aftercare in the community.  In addition, 60 days of voluntary aftercare is provided upon release from ICDTP.

This program gives parolees an understanding of substance abuse and recovery using a curriculum that includes The Cycle of Addiction, The Process of Recovery, Stress and Anger Management, Relationships, Relapse Prevention, and Successful Transition Planning.

Parolee Substance Abuse Program

The Parolee Substance Abuse Program (PSAP) is a supervised, intensive 90-day substance abuse education program for parolees located at the Folsom Transitional Treatment Facility.  The program helps parolees within a controlled prison environment to understand substance abuse and recovery using curriculum that includes The Cycle of Addiction, The Process of Recovery, Stress and Anger Management, Healthy Relationships, and Relapse Prevention. 

Teachers work on-on-one with parolees to develop a personalized Community Transition Plan.  Specific risk areas are addressed throughout the plan that also includes educational and employment strategies and other vital resources.

A 90-day voluntary aftercare program upon release from PSAP is provided by Substance Abuse Services Coordinating Agencies.