Division of Young Offender Services
MISSION
The mission of the Division of Young Offender Services is:| a. To develop programs for Young Offenders that interrupt their
criminal thinking cycle and effect changes in attitudes, thinking and behavior. b. To develop a comprehensive program system that allows offenders to receive a seamless delivery of services. c. To develop and train staff to manage the special needs of Young Offenders. d. To comply with the intent of the South Carolina Youthful Offender Act as defined in the State Statute and ensure fair application to all offenders sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act. e. To develop community partnerships that enable a healthy re-entry into the community for Young Offenders. |
Young (Male) Offender Intensification Program (YOIP)
KIRKLAND RECEPTION & EVALUATION CENTER| - Offenders will be housed at the R&E Center for approximately
fourteen (14) days for evaluation, testing, screening and assignment
to an institution for Youthful Offenders. - Offenders will receive a haircut. - Offender will be given both medical and psychological assessments. - Offenders will receive a complete clothing allotment and hygiene items. |
Phase I (5 week minimum) includes:
| - Zero Week (orientation week) - Assignment of a Case Manager/Counselor who will develop an individualized treatment plan and participation plan for each offender’s specific needs. - Physical Fitness Training, Drill and Ceremony, assignment of work projects, educational classes, and social skills groups. - Strict grooming and personal hygiene inspections. - Mandatory education classes 5 days a week. - No visits. - Mandatory participation in structured groups dealing with social skills and life skills. - Weekly management inspections awarding a qualitative evaluation based on the quality of the inspection. |
Phase II (4 week minimum) includes:
|
- All requirements of Phase I. - Visits determined by the Warden/designee. - Programs focusing on dealing with male issues utilizing Men’s Work Series. - Phone calls 2nd & 3rd week, for all participants meeting the standards for the week. Phone calls are a privilege. |
Phase III (26 week minimum) includes:
|
- Requirements of Phase I and II. - Continuation of Programs and Education. - Gradual additional privileges as offender meets increased responsibility. - Authorized canteen privileges. - Assignment of institutional jobs. - Case Management Team recommending release. |
Phase IV (4 week minimum) includes:
|
- Pre-Release program. - Continues work, school, etc. - Record reviewed by the YOA Review Board and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (PPPS). - Address verification and approval or disapproval by the PPPS. - County notification for those offenders who have open charges and detainers. - A scheduled release date upon approval of all the above. - Conditional Release granted to those who successfully complete all aspects of the YOIP. |
The following programs are provided for offenders in the YOIP:
|
- CRA (Substance Abuse Treatment) - Family counseling - AAP (Accelerated Academic Program) - Thinking For A Change - Victimization (Impact of Crime) - Anger Management - Social Skills - Life Skills - Alcohol and Drug Education - Cognitive Restructuring - Parenting - Sex Offender Treatment - Other services as identified Professionals in the field, both volunteer and SCDC staff, support these efforts. |
Young Female Offender Intensification Program (YFOIP)
WOMEN’S RECEPTION & EVALUATION CENTER|
- Offenders will be housed at the R&E Center for approximately fourteen (14)
days for evaluation, testing, screening, and assignment. - Offenders will be given both medical and psychological assessments. - Offenders will receive a complete clothing allotment and hygiene items. |
Phase I (5 week minimum) includes:
|
- Zero Week (orientation) - Assignment of a Case Manager/Counselor who will develop an individualized treatment plan and participation plan for each offender’s specific needs. - Physical Fitness Training, Drill and Ceremony, assignment of work projects, educational classes, and social skills groups. - Strict grooming and personal hygiene inspections. - Mandatory education classes 5 days a week. - No visits. - Mandatory participation in structured groups dealing with social skills, life skills and other identified needs. - Weekly management inspections awarding a qualitative evaluation based on the quality of the inspection. |
Phase II (4 week minimum) includes:
|
- All requirements of Phase I. - Visits determined by the Warden/designee. - Programs focusing on dealing with female issues, such as, parenting, grief & loss, women’s issues. - Phone calls 2nd & 3rd week, for all participants meeting the standards for the week. Phone calls are a privilege. |
Phase III (26 week minimum) includes:
|
- Requirements of Phase I and II. - Continuation of programs and education. - Gradual privileges as offenders are given increased responsibility. - Authorized canteen privileges. - Assignment of institutional jobs. - Case Management Team recommending release. |
Phase IV (4 weeks minimum) includes:
|
- Pre-Release Program. - Continues work, school, etc. - Record reviewed by the YOA Review Board and the Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (PPPS). - Address verification and approval or disapproval by the PPPS. - County notification for those offenders who have open charges and detainers. - A scheduled release date upon approval of all the above. - Conditional Release granted to those who successfully complete all aspects of the YFOIP. |
The following programs are provided for offenders in the YFOIP:
|
- Substance Abuse Treatment - Survivor Groups - Family Counseling - Thinking For A Change - Victimization (Impact of Crime) - Anger Management - Social Skills - Life Skills - Alcohol and Drug Education - Cognitive Restructuring - Parenting - Other services as identified Professionals in the field, both volunteer and SCDC staff, support these efforts. |
Both male and female offenders receive the following:
DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS
The Youthful and Youthful Female Offender Intensification Programs are driven by behavior and performance. Offenders may be setback within any phase for not meeting the standards and may be recycled to an earlier phase in the YOIP for serious problems with behavior and performance or reassigned to SMU.
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Education is important to this program and is mandatory for youthful offenders. Three hours of each day are devoted to structured classroom activities with additional time allotted for supervised study. Non-high school graduates are prepared for GED testing. Graduates may be assigned as teacher’s aids or enrolled in vocational school.
PASTORAL SERVICES
Weekly religious services are voluntary and are provided for all YOIP and YFOIP participants. The assigned institutional chaplain will conduct regular individual and group counseling sessions.
RECREATION SERVICES
The recreation staff at each institution plans organized recreational activities. Team and individual activities are available. Offenders learn how to become team players and to follow rules.
HEALTH SERVICES
Daily medical coverage or 24-hour coverage will be available based on the offenders needs. Dental care will be assessed during the Assessment and Orientation Week. Follow-up is provided as needed. Eye exams are given at R&E. Follow-up for eye care needs is available during Phase I.
Department of Juvenile Justice Offenders
Offenders sentenced in Family Court and transferred from (DJJ) to SCDC, are under the releasing authority of the Juvenile Parole Board.
Youthful Offender Act (YOA) Offenders
Offenders sentenced in General Sessions under the Youthful Offender Act have an indeterminate sentence not to exceed 6 years or the statutory maximum. Release dates are based on successful completion of all 4 phases of the YOIP/YFOIP.
FOR INFORMATION
If you wish additional information concerning this program, please write:
Kathy B. Thompson, Director
Division of Young Offender Services
S.C. Department of Corrections
Post Office Box 21787
Columbia, SC 29221-1787
(803) 896-1856 or 896-1772