More than just a ‘women’s prison’

More than just a ‘women’s prison’

New center emphasizes ‘ therapeutic community concept’

news@theeveningtimes.com The Arkansas Department of Community Corrections opened doors to a community tour and Center Supervisor Phyllis Silas explained the treatment philosophy and programs during an orange ribbon cutting event Monday at the new East Central Arkansas Community Correction Center in West Memphis.

The new ACC facility opened its doors to a residential treatment facility in June in the closed county hospital building in West Memphis and opened its door to the community with a dedication ceremony and tours for the community. Center Supervisor Phyllis Silas outlined the scope of the programs to those gathered for the official opening. Underscored in the presentation was the ACC philosophy placing priority on public safety while providing opportunities for positive change in the lives of women assigned to rehabilitate at the facility.

The ACC operates six community- based residential centers across the State providing a lengthy list of delivered duties. Structure, supervision, surveillance, drug/alcohol treatment, educational and vocational programs, employment counseling, socialization, life skills, community work transition, all aim toward shaping lives of those assigned to their watch.

To qualify for the facility in West Memphis, a woman’s crime must be a first fall within a specified group of offenses, that preclude any record of a violent crime or those of a sexual nature and is deemed not to pose a risk to the community. Woman live and work in the structured environment for up to two years. Their daily lives are filled with educational classes, treatment classes and work assignments.

The Pine Bluff Center served the State for 22 years occupying a former home for wayward boys.

“The Southeast Center at Pine Bluff had 350 female residents,” said Silas.

The Center Supervisor provided an overview of services offered to the residents now offered residents assigned at West Memphis.

“This facility operates various programs, one being the modified therapeutic community concept,” said Silas. “This is peer driven. Our residents participate in mandated programs. The treatment program is directed because we are a licensed alcohol and substance abuse facility.

The treatment staff collectively holds nine different sets of counseling credentials.

Moving residents to the next level in education is part of the individual development plan too.

“We are most proud of our women’s education program,” said Silas. “It’s vital for women transition back into the community. We offer a GED program, financial aid programs and college opportunity, computer applications, parenting skills, as well as a welding at this facility.

“We have a minimum work supervision program. You will see our residents out in the West Memphis community and working on the grounds,” she said.

By John Rech