News - 2008
Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility Receives First Reentry Offenders
West Caldwell, NJ, Mar 31, 2008 - Community Education Centers, Inc. (CEC), opened the doors to the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility (ATEF), a 400-bed residential reentry center located in Columbiana, Alabama, on March 31. ATEF welcomed 50 offenders, now known as residents, and will use tested cognitive behavioral treatment and job readiness training to help offenders change their criminal thinking and behaviors.
"Today is a new day for the State of Alabama. The Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility, the first large reentry facility in Alabama, represents a dedication by the Alabama Department of Corrections to reducing recidivism. I would like to thank the Department for the confidence they have shown in our company and I look forward to providing quality and effective reentry treatment services for the State of Alabama," said John J. Clancy, Chairman and CEO of CEC.
The goal of ATEF is to reduce recidivism for Alabama's offenders through treatment in an intensive recovery environment. The facility provides a positive setting and culture of rehabilitation that gives offenders the skills needed to successfully reenter society. After much search, the Alabama Department of Corrections settled on CEC to bring its innovative approach.
"We are pleased that the DOC TEC is finally coming to fruition. We've been working on this project for more than two years and we are pleased that it is now a reality. Public safety will be enhanced as this facility provides training and vocational education opportunities that will enable inmates to leave prison and assume a role in society as productive citizens," said Richard F. Allen, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections.
ATEF is a 116,000 square foot building with 96,000 square feet dedicated to CEC's reentry treatment services. The remaining 20,000 square feet are reserved for the Alabama Department of Post-Secondary Education who will provide intensive vocational training for ATEF residents.
"The combination of reentry treatment services and intensive vocational training really makes ATEF a unique facility not only in Alabama, but in the country. Offenders will be addressing their issues of criminal behavior and also learning valuable skills to make them employable upon their release," added Mr. Clancy.
Community Education Centers, Inc. is the largest provider of offender reentry and in-prison treatment services in America. CEC operates in 22 states and provides a full range of residential and non-residential reentry services with a documented record of reducing recidivism.
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