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The following programs/classes are offered at
the Cowlitz County Jail:
Each inmate is reviewed individually to determine their eligibility to
participate in each program.
GED Class- This program is
offered in partnership with Lower Columbia College to assist inmates in the
development of basic academic skills in preparation for the GED exam that
will be given in custody. On average, we have had at least 3-7 inmate’s at a
time in class. The class is offered Wed and Fri evenings from 6:30-8:30 and
Saturday morning from 9-11.
Domestic Violence- the DV
class, taught by Laura Patterson from Therapeutic Strategies, meets for one
hour, once a week and is offered to those inmates who have been victims or
victimized others through domestic violence and or physical abuse. An inmate
could be encouraged to attend if they have exhibited incidents of abusive
behavior or crimes involving violence and battering. The following topics
are discussed during meetings:
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Who is a victim of DV?
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Communications Skills
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Anger Management Skills
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How DV effects children and family
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What resources are out there to help?
Family Planning- The state
funded “Take Charge” program in the jail provides family planning services
to the female inmates. This includes: pre-natel resources set up for
pregnant women before release; birth control pills, education and supplies
for contraceptives, natural family planning including discussions regarding
abstinence and in some cases treatment for STD’s. Every 6 weeks a registered
nurse comes to the jail and holds a forum for the female inmates advising
them of these services. Following the meeting an inmate then can request to
meet with the nurse to determine eligibility.
Veterans Benefits Program-
Cowlitz County Corrections has partnered with Washington State Department of
Veterans Affairs. This program is designed to assist eligible Veterans who
are currently in custody in combined efforts to end the cycle of
homelessness and involvement in the criminal justice system. A Veterans
state case worker will be visiting our jail when scheduled to meet with a
list of eligible inmates (we will provide them with the list) and help those
inmates get linked to services before they leave our facility.
Work Search Program/Vocations
Unlimited- sponsored by the Goodwill, the class provides resources and
tools to help gain successful employment upon release. This class is offered
once a month to inmates who are scheduled to be released who do not have
gainful employment once they get out. It teaches necessary skills to make it
in the job world, starting with interview tips and help writing resumes.
Each inmate who attends the class will have an opportunity to continue
working with the Goodwill program thru our Work Search Program prior to
release.
Re-Entry Program- Partnered
with Longview Police Department-Upon being sentenced, an inmate could be
eligible to participate in the Cowlitz County Re-Entry Program. This program
is designed to provide inmates with an exit plan to help successfully
transition back into the community. It also will provide an inmate with
local resources directly obtaining to food, shelter, medical care,
employment and treatment.
Work Release is available
for eligible inmates who are either employed full-time or are attending
school full-time. Work Release inmates are housed in the work release unit
adjacent to the jail and are allowed out at pre-approved times to continue
their employment and/or schooling. Daily rate for all work release and
electronic monitoring participants will be calculated by doubling ones
hourly wage and rounding the sum up to the nearest fifty cents.
The Jail Work Crew is an
alternative sentencing program designed to reduce jail overcrowding by
providing minimum risk offenders a work option to meet jail sentences. In
addition to screening, Offender Services staff monitors the type of work
assigned and ensures that offenders complete their assigned tasks. Work crew
inmates are housed in the work crew unit and work daily from 8-3pm.
The Electronic Home Monitoring program is an
alternative to a jail sentence which is done in the client’s home and
provides electronic means to monitor compliance to Electronic Home
Monitoring rules without an officer being present to monitor one 24 hours a
day. This is done by the client wearing a special ankle bracelet. Clients
who qualify for EM are placed on strict schedules that are either work or
treatment related.
Other services provided to inmates inside the jail
are Bible Study, AA meetings, and the possibility to obtain a health card.
In addition, to the programs and classes each inmate will have access to a
Cowlitz County Resource Guide upon release.
Other services provided to
inmates inside the jail are Bible Study, AA meetings, and the possibility to
obtain a health card.
2008 Offender
Services Statistics |
