The Kennebec County Correctional Facility (KCCF) in Maine has pioneered an intensive program known as the Criminogenic Addiction & Recovery Academy (CARA) program, aimed at breaking the cycle of substance abuse and criminal behavior among inmates. Spearheaded by Sheriff Randall A. Liberty and the Corrections Administration, in collaboration with the Maine Board of Corrections (BOC) and Crisis & Counseling Centers, the CARA program represents a significant shift in approach, focusing on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of recidivism.
Established in August 2010 as a pilot project with a small group of inmates, the CARA program has rapidly evolved into a cornerstone of KCCF’s rehabilitative efforts. By June 2011, it had already celebrated over 58 graduates, men and women who successfully completed the rigorous five-week curriculum. The program is designed to be a statewide resource, welcoming referrals from various correctional facilities and aiming for an annual capacity of 240 graduates once fully operational.
Sheriff Randall Liberty of Kennebec County, Maine, succinctly captures the program’s urgency and purpose: “We need to stop the revolving door…” This powerful statement underscores the commitment to providing inmates with the tools and support necessary to break free from the cycle of incarceration.
Who Can Participate in the CARA Program?
Eligibility for the CARA program at Kennebec County Jail is carefully determined to ensure the program’s resources are directed towards those who can benefit most. Ideal candidates are sentenced inmates with sufficient time remaining on their sentence to complete the full five-week program. Furthermore, a documented history of significant substance abuse and repeated criminal involvement is a key criterion for consideration.
Referral and Screening Process for CARA
The pathway to joining the CARA program begins with a comprehensive referral and screening process, managed by the Classifications Department at KCCF. Referrals can originate from a variety of sources, including Defense Attorneys, District Attorneys, Probation Officers, community service providers, and even self-referrals from inmates themselves who recognize their need for and commitment to change.
Following an initial review of the referral, a thorough screening process is conducted. This assessment delves into various aspects of the inmate’s profile, including criminal thinking patterns, the presence of co-occurring mental health disorders, motivation for treatment, and the risk of relapse and re-offending upon release. This rigorous evaluation ensures that participants are appropriately placed and ready to engage with the intensive program curriculum.
Admission and the CARA Treatment Approach
Inmates who successfully navigate the screening process and whose applications are approved by the KCCF Programs Department are then admitted to the CARA program. These individuals are transferred to a designated housing unit within KCCF, specifically created for CARA participants and separate from the general inmate population. This dedicated space fosters a therapeutic environment conducive to recovery and rehabilitation.
The CARA program’s core is a five-week intensive schedule, filled with structured group and individual activities facilitated by trained professionals. The curriculum is multifaceted, addressing co-occurring disorders using the DSAT (Dual Diagnosis Treatment for Addiction and Severe Mental Illness) curriculum and tackling criminal thinking through the Pathways curriculum. Additionally, the program incorporates essential life skills training, including work readiness, parenting skills, and ethical decision-making. To further promote pro-social behavior and community integration, participants are also engaged in self-help meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and community service activities.
Recognizing the distinct experiences of men and women in the cycle of substance abuse and crime, the CARA program offers gender-specific programming. This tailored approach acknowledges and addresses the different pathways that lead men and women to substance abuse and criminal behavior, enhancing the program’s effectiveness.
A key element of the CARA program is its therapeutic community model. Specially trained Correctional Officers play a crucial role in supervising CARA inmates and maximizing the impact of the intensive programming. These officers facilitate “community meetings” three times daily, providing a platform for open communication, peer support, and accountability. They also closely observe and monitor inmates’ engagement in treatment activities throughout the day and evening, ensuring a consistent and supportive environment.
Reentry Planning: A Crucial Component of CARA
Recognizing that successful reintegration into the community is paramount, the CARA program places significant emphasis on reentry planning. This process begins from Week 1 of the program, ensuring that inmates are well-prepared for life after release. Case managers work individually with each participant to identify their unique reentry needs, which may include securing housing, accessing medical care, arranging transportation, determining eligibility for entitlement programs, and connecting with vocational or educational resources. Upon graduation from the CARA program, inmates receive a comprehensive “portfolio” of community resources tailored to their individual needs.
Michael Mitchell, Clinical Director at Crisis & Counseling Centers and the author of CARA’s criminogenic curriculum, Pathways, emphasizes the program’s foundational goal: “We wanted to create something that helped people understand how they got stuck in criminal and antisocial behaviors and what they could do to get out.“
Graduates of the CARA program seamlessly transition into the Kennebec Regional Reentry Project (KeRRP). Funded by a federal Second Chance Act Adult Reentry Demonstration Grant, KeRRP provides crucial reentry support both during incarceration and after release, extending its services to CARA participants and other eligible individuals. KeRRP’s services are comprehensive, encompassing case management, limited financial assistance for essential needs like rent security deposits and prescriptions, housing case management, restorative justice and community service support, mentoring, and job search assistance. The collaborative effort involves partnerships between the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office, Crisis & Counseling Centers, Maine PreTrial Services, NAMI Maine, and Hornby Zeller Associates, collectively aiming to serve up to 240 inmates annually.
Testimonials: The Real Impact of CARA
The true measure of the CARA program’s success lies in the transformative stories of its graduates. One graduate poignantly stated, “It saved my life. If I didn’t go into that program I wouldn’t have learned how to be pro-social, I wouldn’t have changed my criminal thinking and I wouldn’t have gotten sober. I’d be dead.” This powerful testament speaks volumes about the life-altering impact of the program.
Another CARA graduate shared, “The CARA Program has given me many tools that I use daily and will use for the rest of my life … I’m a brand-new man.” These words encapsulate the profound personal growth and lasting change fostered by the Kennebec County Jail CARA program, offering a beacon of hope for inmates seeking to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
