Washington, Aug 5, 2001 - Delaney Hall's Women's Program

ROSELAND, NJ (August 5, 2001)--Two New Jersey counties, Essex and Union, have recently begun sending female inmates to the Hope Unit at Delaney Hall in Newark for alcohol and drug treatment and life skills training. Although CEC has operated female programs in other states, the company facilities in New Jersey had been restricted to males.

The successful operation of this unit is significant because the needs of women in prison have often been neglected or overshadowed by the much larger number of male inmates in correctional facilities. Despite their smaller percentage in the prison population, women's issues are often more complex than men's problems, and require a higher degree of treatment acumen. CEC's trained professional counselors, along with its unique, comprehensive treatment program are able to meet the needs of these women.

CEC administers comprehensive assessments to each female resident and develops a treatment plan, including educational training, specific to her needs.

The most devastating problem these incarcerated women face is addiction to drugs or alcohol. CEC's programs at Delaney Hall offer a comprehensive network of treatment and counseling, including aftercare. CEC's addiction treatment includes daily participation in local Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous Groups, individual counseling, group counseling and workshops on relapse prevention.

The majority of women in prison are mothers whose children are being cared for by family members or have been taken by child welfare agencies. There is an immense emotional impact on a child whose mother is in prison, and whose father, often, is absentee. Once women stop using alcohol or drugs, their primary goal becomes being a good mother, and CEC assists them in doing that.

CEC's treatment program focuses on the family. Treatment includes workshops for Parents and their Children (PATCH) and classes that teach parenting skills and the roles in functional families.

Additionally, many women will need to work to support their children. CEC provides literacy classes, GED, computer courses and job readiness training. Many female residents at Delaney Hall are deficient in basic living skills. For these women, CEC provides conflict resolution groups, anger management classes, life-skills training, communication skill development workshops and motivational groups.