Image 1 of 1
150625_HERITAGE_Prisons_0098-Edit.jpg
COLUMBIANA, AL – JUNE 25, 2015:
Positive messaging adorns the walls at the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility. Dedicated to provide resources and tools to change criminal thinking to positive thinking, ATEF also provides specific anger or stress management classes and programs when prescribed by judges and the DOC on a case by case basis.
The Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility in Columbiana, Alabama has operated under contract with the Department of Corrections since 2008. The facility represents an alternative to the state’s overcrowded corrections facilities and an attempt to "break the cycle of recidivism” among inmates through a combination of positive messaging and educational opportunities. “We’re more focused on changing behavior than controlling it,” said Gary Hetzel, director of the facility.
ATEF is owned and operated by Community Education Centers, a “reentry treatment and education services provider” based in New Jersey that is currently operating in 16 states. In stark contrast to most medium custody prisons, ATEF is air conditioned, and each room boasts a telephone and private bath. Post-secondary education is offered to all “residents” who are then required to have a GED before leaving the facility. Correctional Officers, called “operations counselors” lead residents in vocational training and certification opportunities through partnership with the local J.F. Ingram Community College. The facility also provides specific anger and stress management programs when prescribed by judges on a case by case basis.
But not all inmates are given the opportunity to serve time at ATEF. The Alabama Department of Corrections makes a determination of eligibility upon sentencing based on the severity of a crime, and most ATEF “residents" are int the final stages of a sentence and preparing for work release.
"It generally takes 4-6 weeks for DOC inmate who gets transferred here to adjust to the place,” said Gary Hetzel, direct
Positive messaging adorns the walls at the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility. Dedicated to provide resources and tools to change criminal thinking to positive thinking, ATEF also provides specific anger or stress management classes and programs when prescribed by judges and the DOC on a case by case basis.
The Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility in Columbiana, Alabama has operated under contract with the Department of Corrections since 2008. The facility represents an alternative to the state’s overcrowded corrections facilities and an attempt to "break the cycle of recidivism” among inmates through a combination of positive messaging and educational opportunities. “We’re more focused on changing behavior than controlling it,” said Gary Hetzel, director of the facility.
ATEF is owned and operated by Community Education Centers, a “reentry treatment and education services provider” based in New Jersey that is currently operating in 16 states. In stark contrast to most medium custody prisons, ATEF is air conditioned, and each room boasts a telephone and private bath. Post-secondary education is offered to all “residents” who are then required to have a GED before leaving the facility. Correctional Officers, called “operations counselors” lead residents in vocational training and certification opportunities through partnership with the local J.F. Ingram Community College. The facility also provides specific anger and stress management programs when prescribed by judges on a case by case basis.
But not all inmates are given the opportunity to serve time at ATEF. The Alabama Department of Corrections makes a determination of eligibility upon sentencing based on the severity of a crime, and most ATEF “residents" are int the final stages of a sentence and preparing for work release.
"It generally takes 4-6 weeks for DOC inmate who gets transferred here to adjust to the place,” said Gary Hetzel, direct
- Copyright
- Copyrighted
- Image Size
- 5699x3807 / 9.7MB
- Contained in galleries
- 1211 HER PRISON-REFORM
