PLCCW Offenders Praise the Getting it Right Program in Letters to the Superintendent

 

By: Sarah Warren, Communications Specialist

March 21 , 2008

 

Judging by the letters Walker B. Morton is getting these days, the Getting It Right (GIR) program is a big hit at Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women (PLCCW).

"I'm gratified by the program's success and encourage offenders to participate in the GIR program," said Superintendent Morton. "It is a rewarding program and strongly supports DOC's Re-entry Initiative."

The letters from the offenders shared their positive experiences in the Getting it Right (GIR) program and thanked him for offering it at the facility.

Offenders involved in the GIR program participate in 6-8 sessions, approximately 60 hours of instruction, where they learn new ways to cope with difficult situations on a day-to-day basis at PLCCW and after being released from prison.

“Getting it Right includes elements of cognitive behavioral therapy and employment and job training, which have shown to reduce recidivism by 6.3 and 4.3 percent respectively,” said Educational Services Administrator Mike Paris.

In a letter, one offender wrote, “In a short period of time this class impacted my life like no one or nothing else has been able to do. I use the information and tools now and I’ll use them when I get out.  This class will change the culture in prison and will make a difference in people not coming back.”

During the sessions, offenders learn ways to establish and maintain healthy relationships, examine basic thinking errors that lead to criminal behavior and learn skills needed to successfully live in the community once released from prison. They record what they learn in journals.

Portions of the journals are then assembled into passports, which offenders use as planning tools to identify what they will need to do and accomplish when returning to the community. Passports contain information ranging from important telephone numbers and addresses to reminders of how to handle relapse temptations. They also define in the journals what successful re-entry means to them.

“From this class, I learned that if I fall, I don’t have to stay down—I can pick myself up and try again,” wrote offender Athena Nielipinski.  “I obtained the confidence to carry my head high and to turn from my thinking errors and criminal behaviors with courage.”

Another offender wrote, “I’m not the same person I was when I entered the class. I know I am capable and success is waiting for me on the other side of the gates and I recommend everybody have the same opportunities as me.”

Typically, 15 offenders are enrolled in each class session. Approximately 200 students have graduated since the program began at PLCCW six months ago. The GIR program also is offered at 13 of Washington’s 15 prison facilities. 

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