The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Parole Division plays a crucial role in facilitating the successful reintegration of offenders back into society. A cornerstone of this process is the implementation of a continuum of care program, designed to provide comprehensive and sustained support to parolees as they navigate the challenges of re-entry. This article delves into the specialized programs offered by the TDCJ Parole Division, outlining how they collectively form a continuum of care to enhance public safety and support parolee success.
Specialized Programs within the Parole Division
The Parole Division’s Specialized Programs section is dedicated to developing and delivering effective interventions that support clients’ successful reintegration. These programs utilize a combination of in-house training, community resources, and contracted services to address a diverse range of needs. The availability and cost structure of these programs (self-pay, subsidized, or no-cost) often depend on the program type and local community resources.
Here are key specialized programs that contribute to the TDCJ continuum of care:
Project COPE (Community Opportunity Programs in Education)
Education is a fundamental element of successful reintegration. Project COPE addresses the educational needs of parolees by providing access to community-based educational services. Individuals entering parole are assessed, and those scoring below a 6.9 Educational Achievement (EA) level are referred to adult basic education classes. This program leverages the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide essential adult education opportunities, ensuring parolees have the foundational skills necessary for employment and further development.
Sex Offender Program
Recognizing the specialized needs of individuals convicted of sex offenses, the Sex Offender (SO) program provides targeted treatment and supervision. Parolees with current or prior sex offense convictions, juvenile sex offense adjudications, or offenses with sexual elements coupled with a lack of self-control are identified for this program. Specially trained parole officers collaborate with Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Providers, Polygraph Examiners, and other specialists to deliver appropriate treatment and resources. This program focuses on risk management and reducing recidivism within this specific population through specialized intervention and monitoring.
Substance Abuse Counseling Program (SACP)
Substance abuse is frequently a barrier to successful reintegration. The Substance Abuse Counseling Program (SACP), established in 2005, aims to reduce recidivism among parolees with substance abuse issues. Eligible clients participate in a Relapse Prevention Class upon release from the Correctional Institutions Division (CID). This class guides them in selecting support groups, managing cravings, and developing personalized Relapse Prevention Plans. Parole Division Counselors (PDCs), licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, offer further relapse prevention and treatment services. For those requiring more intensive intervention, referrals to outpatient treatment and potentially residential treatment at the SACP-Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) are available, followed by post-release continuum of care and support.
Therapeutic Community (TC) Program
The Therapeutic Community (TC) program provides a comprehensive range of therapeutic, outpatient, and resource programs for parolees with a history of substance abuse. This program emphasizes a coordinated approach, integrating various services to address the complex treatment needs of participants. The TC program is designed as a continuum of care, adapting to the progress and evolving needs of each individual. Specially trained parole officers work with treatment providers to ensure access to necessary resources and support throughout the recovery journey.
District Reentry Center (DRC)
District Reentry Centers (DRCs) serve as hubs for rehabilitative programs, offering services in substance abuse education, Battering Intervention and Prevention, domestic violence, anger management, pre-employment skills, and Victim Impact Panel (VIP) classes. A key feature of DRCs is their emphasis on accountability; parole officer swiftly address any non-compliance to ensure continuous program engagement. DRCs foster a collaborative environment involving parole officers, community partnership assistants, volunteers, and the parolee’s support network, creating a positive pathway to successful community reintegration.
Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative Program (SVORI)
The Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative Program (SVORI) is specifically designed for individuals releasing from Administrative Segregation in the Estelle Unit. This intensive program is voluntary and divided into two phases. Phase I is a six-month, in-cell pre-release program focusing on anger management, cognitive intervention, substance abuse programming, and life skills. Phase II, the aftercare component, takes place after release at a DRC and includes cognitive intervention, substance abuse education, anger management, employment preparation, and Victim Impact Panel (VIP). SVORI Phase II services are available for parolees releasing to specific counties, ensuring targeted support in areas with higher needs.
Special Needs Offender Program (SNOP)
The Special Needs Offender Program (SNOP) focuses on parolees with specific vulnerabilities, including mental impairments (MI), intellectual development disorder (IDD), terminal illness (TI), physical handicaps (PH), and those requiring medically recommended intensive supervision (MRIS). SNOP provides specialized supervision through parole officers with reduced caseloads and specialized training. These officers collaborate closely with treatment providers such as Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) and other specialists to develop comprehensive treatment and supervision plans tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Contracted Services Enhancing the Continuum of Care
To maximize the reach and effectiveness of its programs, the Parole Division leverages contracted services from for-profit, non-profit, and governmental agencies. These contracts cover critical areas such as sex offender counseling, polygraph examinations, and drug and alcohol testing.
Counseling and polygraph services are often subsidized by the Parole Division, making them more accessible to parolees by reducing the financial burden. Contracts are established across Texas to ensure subsidized counseling services are available in various locations.
Furthermore, the Parole Division collaborates with the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) to contract with Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs). These partnerships provide essential case management and rehabilitative services for parolees with mental health needs. Through TCOOMMI’s network, parole officers can access vital case management and treatment services for clients with MI/IDD across the state.
For further information about Specialized Programs, contact:
Lela Smith
Director of Specialized Programs
8610 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757
Phone: (512) 406-5778
By integrating these specialized programs and contracted services, the TDCJ Parole Division constructs a robust continuum of care. This comprehensive approach addresses the diverse needs of parolees, promotes successful reintegration, and ultimately contributes to enhanced public safety within Texas communities.
