News - 2007
CEC Scores 100% on Two ACA Re-Accreditations
Roseland, NJ, Feb 15, 2007 - The comprehensive standards set forth by the American Correctional Association (ACA) are designed to keep staff and offenders safe and facilities in good working order. ACA accreditation is thus an important benchmark by which the character and operation of a facility can be measured. This week, Community Education Centers (CEC), Inc. was not only recommended for re-accreditation at two of the company's New Jersey-based residential treatment centers-Tully House and Harbor-but scored a perfect 100 percent on all mandatory and non-mandatory standards.
"I am very proud of these two accomplishments. To have these two facilities receive accreditation in the same week with perfect scores is undeniable proof of the commitment and expertise of CEC staff," said John Clancy, President and CEO of CEC.
One auditor commented that Tully House and The Harbor were two of the best community release programs he had reviewed and applauded CEC for its Alumni program and wide array of reentry services provided. CEC now operates ten facilities that are ACA accredited-all of which have received scores of 100 percent on mandatory and non-mandatory standards, a flawless record that is practically unprecedented in the industry.
Tully House, opened in June of 1997 and provides treatment and work release services to 340 male residents. Residents are assigned to Tully House to address their treatment needs related to substance abuse and employment. Treatment is provided through a multiphasic model culminating in work release opportunities. The treatment curriculum is delivered in a variety of contexts, including didactic lecture format, classroom instruction, small group sessions, and individual counseling. For residents of the program, Tully House is the final stage of reentry to the community prior to parole release or sentence completion.
"ACA accreditation is a goal which all CEC staff are aware of and strive to obtain everyday," said Dr. Robert Mackey Chief Operating Officer at CEC.
The Harbor is a 152-bed facility that provides residential treatment and a work-release program to male inmates referred from the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The treatment component focuses on substance abuse treatment, education, life-skills, employment, and community reintegration. The goal of the treatment component is to highlight the pitfalls of past behaviors and thought processes, while offering concrete suggestions for change. Upon successful completion of the treatment phase, residents enter a work-release phase, beginning with job-skills classes. Through job-skills classes and work-release experience, residents develop desirable work ethic, including reliability, task competence, interaction with authority, and punctuality. In addition to maintaining employment, residents in the work-release phase continue to attend individual counseling sessions and participate in psychoeducational lectures and groups.
CEC is the leading provider of rehabilitative and reentry services to the criminal justice system in America. CEC's facilities provide a full range of therapeutic residential and non-residential correctional services with an empirically documented record of reducing recidivism.
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