FSA – Skills Program, Residential (2022)
Learn more, as this is part of The First Step Act
| Program Description is taken from The First Step Act Approved Program Guide, 1/2022 | The Skills Program is a unit-based, residential treatment program designed to improve the institutional adjustment of inmates who have intellectual and social impairments. Inmates with lower IQs, neurological deficits from acquired brain damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and/or remarkable social skills deficits are more likely to be victimized and/or manipulated by more sophisticated inmates. As a result, they may be placed in the Special Housing Unit for their protection or may have frequent misconduct reports because of their limited decision-making skills. Only inmates who have a demonstrated need for the Skills Program and who are appropriate for housing in a medium or low-security facility will be considered for participation.
Through using a modified therapeutic community (MTC), the Skills Program employs a multidisciplinary treatment approach aimed at teaching participants basic educational and social skills over a 12-month period. The goal of the program is to increase the academic achievement and adaptive behavior of this group of inmates, thereby improving their institutional adjustment and the likelihood of successful community reentry. Some participants may become Mental Health Companions; inmates who are carefully screened and serve as supports and role models for Skills Program participants. |
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| Time Frame | |
| Hours | This program is typically completed in 500 hours. |
| Needs Addressed | Antisocial Peers, Cognitions, and Mental Health |
| Program Delivery | To ensure program fidelity and proper credit, the Skills Program must be delivered by Psychology Services staff. |
| Institution Locations | FCI Coleman (M)
FCI Danbury (L) |