|
Department of Corrections - Program Iniatives |
kjohnson@sheriff.martin.fl.us
| |
|
The
Martin County School Board provides instructors to enable inmates
to participate in basic adult education classes. These classes
provide an opportunity for inmates to continue with their education
and obtain their G.E.D.’s. In 2009, (78) inmates took the G.E.D. exam, (55) received their G.E.D.'s.
|
|
 |
Chaplain Brian Irvine |
The Correction’s Department Chaplaincy
Program allows inmates the opportunity to practice their religious
faith. Chaplain Irvine maintains close relationships with the
community religious resources to meet the diverse needs of religious
faiths among inmates. Chaplaincy programs are offered each Tuesday
and Thursday evenings. Church services are also offered on Sunday.
Chaplain Irvine takes an active role in counseling with inmates
and their families in their time of need. He is readily available
when his services are needed.
To contact Chaplain Irvine call 772-320-4777
or email him at birvine@sheriff.martin.fl.us |
| |
 |
Paul Brocato |
Paul Brocato supervises the civilian kitchen
staff as well as inmates responsible for serving approximately
2261 meals a day. These meals are nutritionally well balanced.
The menus for the jail are approved by a registered dietician
in accordance with the U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance and
the new dietary reference intake for adults. Religious and Medical
dietary needs are met on a daily basis as well.
Mr. Brocato attended Washburne Trade School Culinary Arts Program and has been a certified instructor for Indian River State College. He has over 35 years of experience in food service. All
kitchen staff employees have Florida Food Service Managers
Certificates. Some inmates have received culinary training
and have gone on to pursue a career in this field when released.
In August, 2009, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with Indian River State College began offering a culinary program to the inmates at the Martin County Jail.  The Sheriff’s Office Food Service Staff teach and supervise a select group of inmates in a hands-on training that provides various certificates to include: baking, cooking, receiving and storage, pot-washing, dishwashing and chemical safety. Other certificates that will assist inmates with job opportunities include:
Safe-Staff certificate, required in the State of Florida for those employed in a food service establishment.
Serve-Safe certificate valid for five (5) years. This is a nationally recognized food protection management certificate, accredited by the American National Standards Institute. Indian River State College provides a professional chef instructor who offers inmates hands-on training giving the inmates the opportunity to receive this certificate.
Apprenticeship in Culinary Arts Introduction - A certificate of completion is issued to inmates who complete 96 hours of study. When an inmate is released from custody and enrolls at Indian River State College, he will automatically receive three credits, tuition free, toward that degree.
During 2009 44 inmates participated and 32 completed the program, 12 received the Serve Safe certificate, 15 received the Safe Staff certificate, and five received the IRSC certificate of completion.
|
| |
|
A.A. is a self help support
group, which holds weekly meeting throughout this facility.
These meetings are conducted by the A.A. volunteers. Alcohol
Anonymous is a proven 12 step process designed to help people
gain control and responsibility of their lives and actions. |
| |
Dunklin Memorial
Camp conducts a faith-based Substance Abuse Treatment Program
in this facility.  Dunklin was founded by Mickey Evans in 1962
for the purpose of building a center for the spiritual emotional
and physical regeneration of alcoholics and drug addicts. It
has since grown into a community training center that is being
reproduced in other parts of the world. Our program is a pilot
program that is anticipated to become the model for other jails
in the State of Florida. This program also affords the family
members of inmates to receive assistance with food, clothing,
parenting skills, interpersonal skills, and spiritual encouragement.
They also provide the Faith Recovery process to released inmates
participating in this program. This is becoming one of the most
successful programs in this facility.  During 2009, 206 inmates participated and 59 graduated. |
| |
New Horizons provides a comprehensive
range of substance abuse, mental health, life skills, and educational
activities to female inmates. This is a highly structured residential
program, with a designated housing area for participants. This
is a 10 week program, with after care component. Released inmates
may continue these services at the New Horizons Criminal Justice
Offices. During 2009, 49 inmates participated and 21 graduated. |
| |
This program is a cooperative endeavor
between the University of Florida and the Sheriff’s Office
Corrections Department. Inmates are instructed on good decision
making, and life management skills. Inmates receive instruction
on planning a budget, balancing a checkbook, and conducting
job interviews. |
| |
The
A.D.A.P. program is designed to provide alcohol and drug awareness
education to inmates. The program encourages inmates to recognize
the positive aspects of sobriety and provides them with alternatives
to alcohol and drug use. This program is conducted weekly throughout
the facility. |
| |
Cocaine Anonymous is a fellowship
of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope
with each other, that they may solve their common problems and
help others to recover from their addiction. Their primary purpose
is to stay free from cocaine and all other mind-altering substances
and help others achieve the same freedom. Their experience has
shown that the most effective way to attain and maintain sobriety
is to work with others suffering from the same disease. They
use the twelve step recovery program because it has already
been proven. |
| |
In July 2004, the Re-Entry
Program was introduced through the Public Defenders Office.
This program is designed to assist inmates being released into
the community. A re-entry coordinator will serve as a liaison
between the inmate and the outside agencies to assist with the
individual needs when he/she is released, such as homelessness,
education, mental health needs, unemployment, counseling and
substance abuse issues. In addition they will receive some emergency
assistance to provide basic needs such as food, proper I.D.,
bus pass, basic hygiene products, clothes and shelter. The programs
goals are to decrease recidivism rate following the release
from jail and to assist clients to achieve a productive lifestyle. During 2009, 100 inmates participated and 26 graduated. |
| |
|
|
Inmate Workers |
|
|
|
|
