Perception Programs, Inc.

Next Step : Residential

Work Release Treatment Program for Women

Next Step is a work release and treatment program designed to help women re-enter the community after incarceration. There is a strong emphasis placed on increasing independence and responsibility in the community through employment. Additionally, individual and group therapy deal with aspects of a client's life that have led to incarceration, such as substance abuse, criminal thinking, relationship issues, and past traumatic experiences. Next Step supplements treatment with twelve step recovery groups designed to provide prosocial and sober support.

Next Step Program Update 2008

Next Step is funded by the Department of Correction and served 66 women during the 2007-2008 fiscal year.  The average length of stay was 150 days and there was an average of 5 referrals per month.  The balance of cultural diversity was as follows:  58% Caucasian, 21% African American, 20% Latino, and 1% Asian.  The Program received a 100% in the Department of Correction standards audit.

Employment continued to be a central focus of the Program, with 100% of the clients obtaining and maintaining employment.  There was an increased emphasis placed on treatment, with the emergence of several new groups targeting criminal thinking, substance abuse, and trauma treatment.  Education continued to be encouraged, and GED services were obtained through Eastconn, with several residents taking the GED test.  Clients contributed year-round to various volunteer activities and participated in activities in the recovery community and local churches. 

Several charitable organizations (Altrusa, Soroptimist, Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area’s Women and Girls Fund, and Guilford Smith Charitable Trust) all contributed monetarily, allowing us to improve the Program in various ways.  We were able to:  purchase tables that allow residents to sit together as a community during meals, provide transportation to/from work during winter months, and provide increased training for staff.