NH-DOC IMPLEMENTS NEW PAROLE VIOLATORS PROGRAM

(Laconia, NH) The New Hampshire Department of Corrections implemented a new treatment program aimed at transitioning parole violators back into the community. Commissioner Stephen J. Curry said the 28-day parole violators program opened at the Lakes Region Facility in Laconia on November 29, 2004.

The program targets parole violators who risk having their parole revoked while in the community. The program focuses on the needs of offenders on community supervision who have substance abuse and other treatment needs. It includes a cognitive change component that gives participants the opportunity to change their behaviors and improve chances of success in the community. This is not a halfway house.

Participating offenders will remain on parole status while in the Lakes Region Facility during the 28 day period. The residential program promotes interpersonal problem solving, critical reasoning, and cognitive thinking through community meetings, discussions, and group counseling.

"This program will provide offenders with the tools and resources to make the right choices while under supervision in the community and ultimately decreasing the possibility of returning to prison for future parole violations," Commissioner Curry said.