It is the policy of the Idaho Department of Correction to provide treatment and education to offenders who fall within their jurisdiction. All offenders are assessed to determine their medical condition, programmatic needs, education level, and mental health. The information from these assessments is used to format a rehabilitation program to address each offender's identified risk and needs. The primary program assessments administered are:

• Level of Service Inventory Revised
• Texas Christian University Drug Screening II
• Test of Adult Basic Education
• Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS).

Upon commitment to the custody of the Department of Correction, all inmates are assessed at a Reception and Diagnostic Unit (RDU). The Idaho Department of Correction’s Reception and Diagnostic Units are located at two sites in the state. Male offenders are processed at the Idaho State Correctional Institution (ISCI) and female offenders are processed at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center (PWCC).

The ultimate goal of correctional programming is to reduce recidivism. Providing opportunities for offenders to live a crime- and drug-free lifestyle through programming accomplishes this goal and provides for safer communities.

The basis of quality treatment and education is twofold: good assessments and good case plans. Case plans prioritize offender needs and create a plan for accountability that can lead to successful reintegration into our communities. A continuum of core programs has been identified and implemented throughout the correctional system and in the community. These programs and services address the following areas:

• Cognitive programs
• Mental health
• Substance abuse programs
• Education and vocational education
• Family reunification
• Aftercare

Programs are designed based on research and best practices. We continue to research new programs and processes that can further our goal of safely and successfully returning offenders to our communities. Program capacity can vary at each institution based on offender need and resource availability. More information

• For additional institutional programming information, please contact the applicable institution and ask to speak to an institutional case manager.
• For additional community programming information, please contact the applicable district office and ask to speak to a drug and alcohol rehabilitation specialist.
• For statewide comprehensive community information and referral services, please contact the 2-1-1 Idaho Careline

Core Program Descriptions

2006 Programs and Education Report
Cognitive
Education
Emotional / Personal
Faith Based
Family / Marital
Female Specific
Re-Entry
Substance Abuse
Therapeutic Community (TC)

Education

Robert Janss School
The Robert Janss School is aligned with the State Board of Education policies, Department of Education standards, and Idaho Department of Correction mission, vision, values, and policies. The Robert Janss School is a state-accredited school that offers training for offender-students in the following areas:

Literacy leading to a GED (General Education Development Certificate)
Secondary Education leading to a high school diploma
Professional-Technical Education leading to a variety of vocational certificates
Special Education leading to improved literacy and a GED

Much research has been conducted regarding offender programs and recidivism. The Marsh Report compiled by Dr. Robert Marsh and Dr. Steven Patrick at Boise State University provides a very informative and detailed overview.