ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The HCDOC Programs Department is led by the Programs Director, working closely with the Programs Coordinator. The department's team includes 3 Clinicians/Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors, 3 Case Managers, and the Community Corrections Lieutenant and Sergeant. Each Clinician and Case Manager is responsible for a specialized area, ensuring efficient communication and a comprehensive continuum of care. The Case Managers are available to assist all individuals incarcerated in the facility, providing support tailored to each individual's needs.

SERVICES/PROGRAMS OFFERED

ACT PROGRAM

1.  HCDOC offers an in-house substance use program that also facilitates a smooth transition back into the community. Known as the ACT program, it is available to individuals with a 12-month sentence to the House of Correction (HOC) and one year of probation. During the in-house portion of the program, participants engage in group sessions, individual therapy, case management, peer support meetings, and transition planning.

The current group curriculum includes programs such as Seeking Safety, Thinking for a Change, Helping Men/Women Recover, and Anger Management. In addition, participants can attend classes in mindfulness, art therapy, music therapy, and interactive journaling.

The in-house portion typically lasts 60 to 90 days, after which clinical staff make recommendations for post-release living arrangements and continued outpatient therapy for substance use and/or mental health treatment. Upon completing the in-house phase, participants are released on electronic monitoring and are monitored 24/7 by HCDOC Security and Programs staff. Drug testing is conducted randomly 2-3 times per week, and case management services along with individual therapy sessions continue throughout the program. Initially, these services are provided weekly, then as needed as participants transition.

Release from custody is based on both institutional and community behavior, and most participants are eligible for graduation at their early release date.

PRE-TRIAL PROGRAM 

1.  The Pretrial Services (PTS) program allows individuals to be released on personal recognizance with supplemental conditions set by the Court,
while being monitored by HCDOC. The Security and Programs departments collaborate to develop individualized case management plans that include treatment, community resources, employment, housing, and monitoring. The primary goal of PTS is to ensure that individuals remain on good behavior while out on bail and attend all scheduled court appearances. In doing so, the Court may take this into consideration and potentially resolve cases without the need for incarceration.

MAT (MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT) 

1.  Screening for MAT: Inmates requesting MAT screening undergo an evidence-based assessment (currently the TCU-5) conducted by an HCDOC LADC. The results are then provided to the MAT provider, who performs an additional evaluation, including a review of the inmate’s physical health, to determine eligibility for induction.

Continuation of MAT: If an inmate enters custody with an active MAT prescription, PrimeCare Medical verifies the prescription and continues dosing as prescribed in the community.

Participation Requirements: Once enrolled in MAT—either through continuation or induction—inmates attend a MAT group session once per week. If an inmate is under special restrictions or housed in a unit that prevents group participation, they receive educational packets and individual check-in sessions with the LADC.

Release Planning: Before release, inmates are connected with MAT Community Partners and provided a "bridge" prescription to ensure continuity of care until their scheduled appointment.

Methadone Treatment: HCDOC and PrimeCare Medical do not initiate methadone treatment but will facilitate guest dosing for inmates who were already receiving methadone in the community.

WORK RELEASE PROGRAM 

1.  Any inmate recommended by the courts for the work release program undergoes an interview, as do their potential employers. If the inmate is deemed a low security risk, they are permitted to work as scheduled and must return to the facility at the end of each workday. The HCDOC allows for all shifts, but employment must be pre-established. A portion of the inmate's earnings while on work release is paid to the HCDOC to cover expenses such as clothing, food, and medical care.

AHC (AT HOME CONFINDMENT) PROGRAM 

1.  Any inmate recommended by the courts for the At Home Confinement (AHC) Program must undergo an interview and assessment. To be eligible, the inmate must be classified as a low security risk and have stable housing in the community. Once approved, the inmate is allowed to work and follow a modified, monitored schedule under AHC. All inmates participating in the AHC program are subject to electronic monitoring by the Department.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS 

1.  HCDOC offers a variety of volunteer programs aimed at providing support and rehabilitation to inmates:

•  Revive Recovery is a non-profit peer recovery support center with locations in Manchester, Nashua, and Derry. Their volunteers hold hour-long peer recovery support meetings on Wednesdays for each unit that can participate in group settings. Additionally, Revive provides community connections post-release, along with support groups, basic necessities, and referrals to treatment if needed.

•  NA/AA/Living Sober Volunteers also dedicate their time to facilitate peer support meetings. They provide sponsorship and recovery community connections. These meetings are available on a voluntary basis to all units whose classification allows participation.

•  The Thresholds Program is a unique initiative where volunteers work with individuals involved in the New Hampshire criminal justice system to teach decision-making skills. Participants are screened for the program by RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) staff in partnership with the Hillsborough Department of Corrections. Each participant attends 12 weekly group sessions led by Thresholds instructors and meets weekly with a trained volunteer counselor to reinforce what was learned. Volunteers commit to meeting with participants for one hour each week during the 12-week program. Training and materials are provided to all volunteers before each new session, with ongoing support from RSVP staff.

•  Bible Study is held weekly and is led by volunteers from a local religious group. This program provides spiritual guidance and support for inmates who choose to participate.

•  Overdose Prevention and Recovery Support is run by the City of Manchester’s Overdose Prevention Director, Andrew Warner. Mr. Warner meets with individuals one on one to provide overdose prevention education and recovery support services to continue the City’s initiative to fight overdose deaths.

•  Elliot MAT – Center for Recovery Management runs twice-weekly group sessions for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) participants. The program offers a smooth transition from jail to the community by ensuring continuous MAT services, therapy, substance use services, case management, and psychiatric medications.

2.  These volunteer programs aim to provide valuable support and resources to inmates, contributing to their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

RECIDIVISM INFORMATION 

1.  Current year