News - 2006
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine Tours CEC Facility
Roseland, NJ, Jun 16, 2006 - New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine toured Bo Robinson as part of his information gathering effort and to gain a more personal and direct understanding of CEC's work and mission. Proposing that Halfway Back programs in New Jersey be increased by $1 million dollars in the current budget, Gov. Corzine has taken a proactive initiative towards addressing recidivism in New Jersey.
"The Governor's personal interest in researching the quality of reentry services being provided to reduce recidivism in the State of New Jersey is refreshing," said John Clancy, President/CEO of CEC. "Governor Corzine was engaging and deeply interested in how each individual's treatment program is designed and implemented. We applaud him for focusing on this important program."
Governor Corzine was lead on the tour by Mike Oliver, Director of Bo Robinson for the past six years. While on the tour, the Governor also met with Mrs. Mary Alliene Wade, the facility's GED and literacy teacher and with Dr. Angela Mims of the female unit where he had the opportunity to observe a small group meeting, a computer lab and a classroom session. Also present for the presentations was Judge John D'Amico, Chairman of the New Jersey State Parole Board.
"The entire staff was excited that Governor Corzine toured our facility. We appreciated his obvious concern and interest in the programs we offer and the effort our staff puts into assisting offenders returning to the community," said Director Oliver.
The Albert M. "Bo" Robinson Education and Training Center, opened in January 1997, provides comprehensive assessments and treatment to 420 male and female offenders, including Technical Parole Violators. Residents are referred to Bo-Robinson from two sources, The New Jersey Department of Corrections and The New Jersey State Parole Board through contracts with Education and Health Centers of America (EHCA).
Bo Robinson is designed to accommodate and provide specialized services to a wide range of at-risk correctional populations. While residing at Bo Robinson, residents are assessed for current risk factors for public safety concerns and recidivism. The treatment component consists of individual and group counseling, substance abuse treatment, educational services, vocational training, skills-based trainings, family services, and aftercare/alumni services.
In addition, the facility provides gender-specific programming designed to help female residents address issues related to substance abuse, criminal thinking, and domestic violence.
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