SUCCESS

therightpath
In this brochure, you’ll discover exactly how we
change thinking patterns, change behavior,
and change lives. And, if you’re interested in any
particular area, look for the information sheet in
the back pocket that covers it in even more detail.
Or give us a call, we’re always available to answer
questions regarding our extensive list of programs.

Our comprehensive, coordinated, innovative set of
inmate rehabilitation programs not only changes

There is a unique and identifiable
moment when an inmate realizes
that he or she has to change his
or her life. It is so obvious when
this happens that we say, “The
light bulb went on.” This is the
moment that all of us at CCA strive
for. And, if you could be there to
see it happen, you’d know why.

behavior, it changes lives. Look into the eyes of
anyone who works in programming at CCA and
you’ll see something very special - eyes full of hope,
which comes from knowing that they’re doing
everything possible to put the individuals in their
care on the right path. That means research-proven
programs that address every aspect of the journey

It all adds up to a comprehensive system that

ally test, study, analyze, and innovate to make sure

gives our inmates the best chance to be successful.

we’re doing everything humanly possible to help

As you’ve seen, it is CCA’s ultimate goal to return

our inmates. Our programs are extremely flexible,

our inmates to society as productive members of

allowing us to work with our clients to deliver the

their communities. We are absolutely dedicated to

programs that help their specific facility in the most

this and are passionate about it. In order to do so,

efficient way possible. If you’d like more informa-

we’ve created an entire set of interwoven programs

tion on the programs you’ve read about, check the

with all of them complementing each other for

information sheets in the back of this brochure. Or

maximum effectiveness. In addition, we continu-

just give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

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towards a healthy, productive life - this includes
methods that change cognitive behavior, comprehensive substance abuse treatment, academic
opportunities, vocational training, and faith-based
initiatives that can create fundamental change. All

Proven, performance-based results. Our ultimate

coordinated with each other to provide a powerful

mission is to see each and every inmate at CCA

set of programs that often result in a life-changing

return to society as a contributing citizen. And to

evolution of inmate behavior. And when one of our

stay there. To do so, admittedly, is not an easy task.

staff sees an inmate change, you’ll see something

It takes commitment, courage, innovation, and a

else in their eyes. A sense of satisfaction.

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passion to succeed. But it takes something else,

Another example of how we measure results

too – the willingness to measure the results. Mea-

comes from our educational programs where

suring results provides proof of effectiveness while

there is stringent pre and post testing to make

also allowing us to constantly refine our programs

sure students are competent at each level before

to reach their maximum efficiency.

moving on. Our vocational programs are also
subject to measurement; we keep track of the

That’s why we use pre and post standardized test-

percentage of students who finish the courses and

ing. It’s why we demand research-based validation.

receive certification in the trade they’ve chosen.

And it’s why we utilize evidence-based practices.

Even our faith-based programs are based on

One example is our substance abuse programs

evidence-based practices that are supplemented

where program outcomes are measured objec-

by research from our ministry partners who have

tively. Change is tracked by documenting the re-

been testing the results of their programs for, in

duction in disciplinary infractions, quality of work,

some cases, decades.

and other measurements. And we also measure
clinical behaviors including the quality of interac-

And another thing about our commitment to

tions, self-disclosure in groups, and the amount of

results. We are, perhaps, the only organization

responsibility inmates take for their behavior.

that has a program-specific corporate department
headed by a Vice President dedicated to inmate
programming. And one of the things this V.P. has

The CCA Story

instituted is a Quality Assurance system that pro-

Corrections Corporation of America was

vides a constant source of assessment.

founded in 1983 and is now the nation’s
largest provider of outsourced corrections

You see, to us, it’s all about results. That’s why our

management services to federal, state, and

programs do everything in their power to help

local government agencies. The company

inmates change their basic thinking patterns, gain

owns, operates, and manages more than

valuable job skills, and learn productive methods

60 prisons and jails across the United

of interaction. All so that they can successfully

States. CCA also capitalizes and builds cor-

return to society…and stay there. Because then,

rectional facilities from the ground-up.

everyone wins.

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volunteer services

Volunteer training is another area that is some-

One of our volunteers, 85 year-old Jo,
works with female inmates to give them
a better chance to succeed after release.
She says, “These women need someone
to listen, to approve of them, and to be
affirmed as good people who have simply
made mistakes.” One of the inmates
said, “Miss Jo was the first one who
ever told me that I was a good person.”

times overlooked. The fact is, our system of using
volunteer services can reduce recidivism while also
reducing the cost of running the penal system. We
actively recruit, select, and train adult volunteers
who are a tremendous help in preparing inmates
for their return to society. The volunteers support
education, treatment, recreation, and religious
services. And perhaps their greatest contribution
is to serve as a bridge between prison life and the
realities of the outside world.

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tion, it’s not difficult to attract top talent. Talented

After spending 22 years addicted
to drugs and alcohol, a CCA
inmate decided it was time to
change and used our faith-based
programs to do so. She said
that if she hadn’t found faith in
prison that she would probably
be dead or serving a life sentence.

recreation

and dedicated trainers want to work in an atmosphere that encourages and supports thinking
outside of the box. No wonder top people are
drawn to us, because they know they’ll find fulfillment here. The type of fulfillment that can only
come from seeing results.

Our programs are not only broad, they’re deep.
As you’ve already seen, and will see in more detail,
CCA has assembled the most comprehensive set
of rehabilitation programs available for inmates.

In fact, with over 60 facilities all across the U.S., in

Now, you’re about to learn more about each of our

essence we run a national school system, a nation-

areas: substance abuse, academic, vocational train-

wide substance abuse center, universal vocational

ing, life skills, and faith-based initiatives. You’ll see

training program, a national life skills training

that, with CCA, it isn’t just about quantity, it’s also

program, and an entire network of faith-based

The benefits of organized recreation programs are

about quality. Which is why we search out and hire

initiatives.

often overlooked. In reality, though, these benefits

esteem and, of course, physical health.

One of our recreation professionals
recently explained that inmates
who participate are more likely
to be less confrontational when
they return to their housing
areas. He also mentioned that
he spends lots of time teaching
methods for conflict resolution.

are very important in the overall picture. That’s why

the most qualified applicants out there.

No matter how comprehensive our program

How do we get the best employees? Given the

offerings are, however, we always remain flex-

mission of CCA and our commitment to innova-

ible to the needs of our individual government
customers. So we work with them to analyze their
specific situation and their specific needs. We can
adapt their existing programs, and/or add our own
proprietary programs. Either way, the government
agencies who partner with CCA get the choice of

all CCA facilities have various recreational programs
and outstanding facilities, in some cases including
indoor basketball courts and full softball fields. It’s
also why we hire professionals to oversee the programs. We’ve found that our structured recreational
programs teach inmates self-discipline, teamwork,
cooperation, and can even help them learn methods for conflict resolution. They also improve self-

basic programming, or a more extensive package.

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industry
In our ongoing mission to prepare inmates for a

Our programs include: Hunter Printing •

productive life in society, our industry programs

Corrections Industries • Mid States Services, Inc.

play an important part. At the end of the day,

• Jacob’s Trading Company • Company Apparel

these programs benefit the given facility, the en-

Safety Items.

tire penal system and society in general. In short,

One of our former inmates said
that he was able to open his own
business with the skills that he
had learned in the CCA industry
program he participated in.

industry programs are work opportunities in our
facilities that are aligned closely with outside companies. This lets our inmates earn money, learn
valuable job skills, enhance their self-esteem, and
increase their likelihood of gaining employment
after release. These programs operate independently or as part of the Federal Prison Industry
Enhancement Program.

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An inmate with a particularly
bad attitude and a long sentence
was admitted to one of our
facilities and immediately
caused disciplinary problems.
Finally, one day he went to the
head counselor and said he was
sick of his life, then asked what
he had to do to change it. The
counselor told him what steps he
needed to take and said it’d have
to be his decision to start down
that path… or not. A few weeks
later, the inmate returned,
ready to begin. He enrolled
in the academic programs,
took vocational training, life
skills classes, and even went to
chapel. In a gradual process that
took a couple of years, he was
transformed, totally changed.
He earned early release and
returned to his community.

residential drugtreatment program RDAP

From nationwide statistics, it is an accepted fact

proaches the treatment of substance abuse within

that inmates are successfully integrated back into

those around them. Residents learn the principles

their communities after their release. This is a ben-

of integrity, personal responsibility, and account-

efit to society in a number of ways.

ability.

In order to offer these programs in a cost effective

Next, a program that addresses the unfortunate

and efficient manner, we have formed partner-

fact that children of prisoners are seven times

ships with several leading national and interna-

more likely to end up in prison compared to other

tional ministries to provide proven programs

children. The inmate enrolls their children and,

that help inmates in many different ways. These

at no cost, the children are sent correspondence

programs are constantly refined and sometimes

materials that teach basic life values and morals.

replaced, but following are a few examples of pro-

We offer several other important and effective

grams that we’re now using on a day-to-day basis.

that the vast majority of inmates have ended up in

the context of criminal thinking patterns, and ad-

prison due to either a direct or an indirect connec-

dresses these faulty thinking patterns, ultimately

A program of in-prison speeches and seminars

dren of inmates, a program that stimulates fellow-

tion to substance abuse. This makes our substance

changing them.

delivered by famous athletes and entertainers.

ship, one that provides wheelchairs and bibles for

This gets the attention of the inmates and delivers

other countries, and more.

abuse program critically important to inmate

After a comprehensive initial screening, inmate

rehabilitation.

participants get a thorough, individualized assess-

the message of how faith can help them get back
onto the right path.

Based on internal and third-party research, it has

ment and a customized treatment plan. Treatment

been proven that the most effective (and perhaps

takes place in a positive, peer-supported environ-

We are also using a nonsectarian training and

the only) way to permanently change behavior is

ment with staff guidance and leadership.

service organization dedicated to changing lives

to change the thinking patterns behind it. That’s

The treatment modules include: 1) Orientation to

why we have adopted an innovative program

Treatment 2) Rational Thinking 3) Criminal Life-

using only evidence-based cognitive behavioral

style 4) Lifestyle Balance 5) Living with Others. As

components.

with all our rehabilitation programs, progress is

An inmate says that the Life
Principles Community Program
has been a life-changing
experience: He’s learned how to
be a better husband, a better
father, and how to have a normal
life and be a productive citizen.
Another inmate was scheduled
for release, but requested that
he stay longer in the facility in
order to complete the program.

through Biblical studies. It consists of a comprehensive set of seminars, programs, instruction,
lessons, and other methods that result in the
development of crucial life skills and fundamental
changes in thinking patterns.

One particularly interesting aspect of our RDAP

measured empirically, with clinical testing to iden-

program is that it takes place in a separate residen-

tify changes in thinking patterns. Because, after all,

Then there’s a very exciting program that is exclu-

tial unit. And it is administered by highly trained

the measurement of any program is how well it

sive to CCA. In this program, inmates are housed

professionals who are dedicated exclusively to

actually works.

in faith pods, allowing them to learn from each

providing intensive treatment services. RDAP ap-

programs including programs that help the chil-

other and be inspired by watching the progress of

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faith-based initiatives

Our faith-based initiatives are all about offering

to do something that could help our inmates

our inmates the tools and guidance that give

even more dramatically. You see, we recognized

them every possible opportunity to evolve into

that, in some cases, we could do what was once

contributing members of society. They are care-

thought impossible: change the thinking patterns

fully designed to improve inmate safety, lower

of our inmates. Why is this so important? Simply

prison costs, and reduce recidivism. The programs

because when you change thinking patterns, you

do this by giving inmates a moral and ethical

change behavior. And, when behavior is based on

foundation, based on faith, yet non-denomina-

new thinking patterns, something special emerg-

tional in practice. All programs are non-denomi-

es. A new life.

national, completely voluntary, and available to

So, we have put together a comprehensive, com-

any inmate who wishes to participate.

plimentary set of programs. The help that these

CCA has always offered inmates access to in-

programs are providing is reflected in how quickly

house chaplains and religious services and these

they are reaching all of our facilities. They have

always met the stringent standards of our govern-

been helpful in many ways, as much of the train-

ment customers. However, numerous years ago,

ing and support the inmates receive is geared in

we realized there was a tremendous opportunity

both tangible and intangible ways to make sure

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One of our facilities housed
a young man who had been
a cocaine addict since the
age of 13. He decided that
his life needed to change,
so he entered our substance
abuse program and took
advantage of all its aspects,
including the one-on-one
counseling. He was making
huge strides until one sad
day when he discovered he
had bone cancer, leading
to an amputation. Most
people would have been
bitter, would have given
up. But, with the help
of our cognitive-based
programs and his own
considerable discipline, he
persevered. And never fell
back. He said that without
these programs, he would
have never changed.

academicS

life skills
Our Life Skills programming is based on research

about the fundamental need for decency and

proving that changes in thinking patterns result

respect. Communication skills are taught and prac-

in more dramatic and more permanent changes

ticed using a variety of real life situations. In addi-

in behavior. This is a critical point of focus at CCA.

tion, we explore topics such as independent living

Ultimately, these changes result in giving our

skills, anger control, and victimization.

inmates the best possible chance to succeed when
they’re returned to their communities. Some of the
elements of our Life Skills programming are parenting and family dynamics, employability, substance abuse education, cognitive critical thinking,
and interpersonal skills.
The unfortunate reality is that a huge percentage of

instruction. This is critically important because

Our cognitive critical thinking skills classes focus

newly incarcerated individuals do not have an ad-

many inmates have never experienced academic

on basic behavior and attitudes. They follow a

equate education; some are even illiterate. Which

success. Our system is designed to get them in at

tested model of delinquency prevention, crime

means that their chance of succeeding when

the correct level and thus allow them to experi-

prevention, and rehabilitation. The programs also

Parenting and family dynamics classes teach in-

they’re returned to society is greatly reduced.

ence a series of small, successful steps towards

train inmates in logical problem solving, decision-

mates how to be effective parents during different

their ultimate goal. This creates self-esteem and

making, and the use of a value hierarchy, always

stages of child development, how to help children

increases motivation.

focusing on the individual inmate and his or her

succeed in school, and how to function in an “at

personal concerns.

risk” family. This helps break the generational cycle

Realizing this, we have created and instituted
educational programming that is second to none.
In addition to our complete academic programs,

Our academic education is split into four class

we offer educational programs that address emo-

levels. This allows all students to stay with peers

Employability/Occupational training focuses on

tional, psychological, and physiological concerns

who are at a similar level of achievement. Notably,

career exploration, job lead sources, proper attire,

Another critical aspect of life skills programming is

as well.

the average class size at CCA facilities is about 20

hygiene, punctuality, attendance, time manage-

substance abuse education which is designed to

students, a student-teacher ratio usually found in

ment, and following instructions. In short, all the

help inmates understand how these substances

private schools. When a student passes the ex-

skills necessary to find and keep a good job.

contributed to their social problems. The train-

It all starts with a comprehensive assessment
of the incoming inmate to determine his or her

amination, he or she is awarded a GED certificate

educational history and the appropriate level of

of criminality that gets passed from parent to child.

ing focuses on the opportunity the inmate has to

Our classes in interpersonal skills educate inmates

change his or her life.

which is universally accepted by employers.

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inmateprograms
We also have an impressive library in all of our

they re-enter the job market. In addition, we’ve

facilities, always available to all inmates. Our librar-

instituted Corrections Learning Network Distance

ies include general and specialized materials, and

Learning, a satellite-delivered interactive instruc-

completely comply with American Correctional

tional programming system that is available at

Association standards.

most of our facilities.
Finally, CCA was the first corrections management company - and still one of only a handful of
corrections systems - to receive endorsement as
a literacy tutorial program by ProLiteracy Worldwide, the nation’s foremost adult literacy agency.

“The day you decide that
people can’t change is the
day you should get out of
this business,” say CCA staff.

Inmates who graduate can continue to participate
in the program as tutors, if they wish. This lets our
students actually help other students and creates
a learning environment based on mutual respect.

One of our older inmates came to
us with very little education and
worked very hard to finally earn his
GED certificate. At the graduation
ceremony, the man, who was then
over 40 years old, had his mother
attend. Both of them were so
proud and when the man said,
“Momma, I can make it now,” it
touched everyone in the room.

And there’s more. We also offer post-secondary
programs, including college credit by examination.
This gives inmates a significant advantage when

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vocational training
Some examples of our vocational training are:
1) carpentry 2) electrical 3) small engine repair
4) plumbing 5) painting 6) masonry 7) building
trades 8) food service 9) commercial cleaning/
maintenance 10) horticulture and 11) computer
applications.
All of these are competency-based programs,
with many of them offering nationally recognized certificates upon completion. This makes
inmates more valuable in the job market and
proves their competency. Which is a key part of
our plan to get them back into their communities as functioning citizens.
If you ever have the chance to visit one of our
facilities, you’ll be impressed by the scope of our
vocational labs. They consist of a classroom area

In a CCA facility in Georgia, inmate
vocational students are allowed
to go into the nearby community
with CCA supervisors and apply
their skills to community projects.
In fact, vocational students built
the police station, fire station, a
religious center, playgrounds, and
landscaped the library. All with
the training they received at CCA.

and a large space for hands-on training in each
of the vocational disciplines. For instance, in the
electrical classroom, there’s a partially constructed
room so that students can practice interior wiring.

We’ve devoted so much attention to these programs simply because they are the practical underpinnings of what will allow our inmates to prosper
financially when they return to their communities.
Not to mention the feelings of self-esteem that
come from being competent at a given task.

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