NCJ Number
213325
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 68 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2006 Pages: 26,27,37
Date Published
February 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Incarcerated Education Program (IEP) of the Onondaga County Justice Center (Syracuse, NY) provides academic, vocational, and life-management courses for inmates who have been detained prior to the disposition of their cases.
Abstract
The IEP is a joint effort of the Syracuse City School District and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for managing the Justice Center. The school district provides a professional staff of 6 full-time and 18 part-time teachers and staff members. Three of the sheriff's sergeants who work in the program hold New York State adult education certification that qualifies them to teach classes in the vocational component of the IEP. An average of 250 inmates (approximately one-third of the inmate population) are enrolled in day and/or evening classes. There are approximately 250 hours of class time in the facility per week. Inmates 16 to 21 years old must participate in adult basic education/GED classes, with provision for students with special needs. Older inmates attend voluntarily. English as a second language and English literacy/civics are complementary course. Two full-time staff members assist people upon release with such tasks as acquiring a driver's license, obtaining documents essential for identification, finding housing, re-enrolling in high school, or preparing for job interviews. Vocational programs are tailored to the current job market. The Basic Office Skills class offers computer repair and office production skills. A course in building maintenance can be complemented by a course in preapplication to preapprenticeship plumbing, or in painting and surface preparation. A baking class and nail technology have been added in the past few years. Several courses deal with life issues, attitudes, and decisionmaking. Courses in substance abuse and anger management are offered as well. Financial support comes from nine State and Federal grants.