Restorative Justice Programs

  A group of people whose lives have been affected by drunk driving are assembled. They tell about the death or injury of their loved ones, they show photographs, and they explain how their lives, and the lives of their families, have been changed by the act of one drunk driver. Offenders are required to attend these panels by the Court.

  Inmate Workforce Crew Program was continued by Sheriff Apple utilizing low-risk sentenced inmates to perform work at various locations throughout the county. This program, under the supervision of trained corrections officers, performs work for local governments and Non-for profits. This resulted in substantial savings to Albany County residents as well as to non-profit organizations where work was performed daily.c

 The S.H.I.F.T program teaches inmates and those sentenced to community service a valuable skill set that can be utilized upon return to the community. Fire brigade members trained the inmates in: N.I.M.S.- National Incident Management System (Federal Course)/ Hazmat Ops- Hazardous Material Operations and Awareness/ CPR/ 1st Aid. 

 All individuals that enter the facility will be interviewed by trained member of the Inmate Service Unit and prepare an assessment and exit strategy individualized specifically for them. They will be offered assistance in area that have been barriers to successful re-entry such as education, obtaining proper identification, employment aptitude, temporary housing & other public assistance as well as help with addiction and mental health issues. 

 People entering the facility who have been prescribed these medications will continue treatment through release, and individuals who identify as having purchased and taken buprenorphine without a prescription will be screened and treated accordingly. In the final phase, individuals who have not been on treatment with buprenorphine or naltrexone but desire to be will have the opportunity to begin treatment before release. Counseling will continue to be available through the facility’s Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs). In all cases discharge planning prior to release by the CASACs will include case management and linkage to referral services provided by Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services to ensure that housing, treatment, medical, and other needs are addressed using the full array of services and organizations available. 

Is a program designed to help guide those who wish to live a drug free lifestyle and regain control over their lives by providing them with the resources needed to continue on the road to recovery long after being released from jail. The program has a dedicated housing unit for those struggling with heroin and/or opioid addictions. The participants will be housed together and work together with a common goal to get clean. By working in the group setting as a community they can help and support each other along the way and will receive extensive group and one on one counseling form an outside provider. SHARP gives participants the building blocks they need in order to be successful members of society and aides them in continued health care. 

 A housing unit dedicated to men who have served in the United States Military. Soldier-On Staff provide a comprehensive program addressing service related issues, concerns and transitional needs.  

 Is a cooperative effort between the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and the Sheriff’s Office. This program is designed to help homeless dogs get adopted and positively impact the inmates at the Albany County Correctional and Rehabilitative Services Center. This partnership brings homeless dogs into the Correctional Facility. During their six weeks stay the dogs receive training and live with a small group of inmates. The program has proven to be a tremendous benefit to both the dogs and inmates who learn new skills and a new way of communicating.

 A program for incarcerated individuals that promotes peace, health and wellbeing. It fosters a more peaceful and humane incarceration environment for individuals and staff. 

 Albany County Sheriff’s Office also has the inmate vegetable garden program at the Correctional

Facility. The garden is maintained by inmate workers who water, weed, and tend to the plants. When the vegetables matured, the inmates harvest them and the Sheriff’s Office donated the vegetables to local food pantries to feed families in need of assistance.

  Available to sentenced individuals, age 21 and older, who are within 45 days of their scheduled release. How will you find a place to live, a job, or apply to school after you’re released? These and many other topics are addressed. Learn about services available to you and the application process, interviewing for employment, resume writing, and much more.

 This quality education program is provided through the Colonie School District and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Once enrolled you’ll receive individual instruction developed just for you. Our teachers will work on math skills, writing, reading, history, and science, all in preparation to achieve your G.E.D. A computer lab is available where you’ll have an opportunity to test your education skills and see where your strengths are. Upon leaving the correctional facility you will be prepared to continue in your school district or you will have achieved your G.E.D.

  A transition program available to individuals 18-20 years of age, this program is designed to help incarcerated youth turn their lives around and prevent a return to the criminal justice system. Pre-release and post-release services include crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, individual and group counseling, education / employment assistance, substance abuse counseling, anger / conflict management counseling, life skills, and peer support. Individual consultations and group sessions are utilized.

 A representative of the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach Program will be available to discuss possible alternatives to incarceration options for non-violent offenders, as well as treatment and rehabilitation, housing, employment, and access to financial and other benefits.

  Learn about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis, and the benefits of healthy eating, tobacco-free living, and physical activity. Discuss the seven dimensions of wellness and how they work together to enhance quality of life and well-being.

This program covers such topics as parental responsibilities, effective communication, interactive activities, positive discipline, and stress management.

  Facilitated by State University of New York in Albany, School of Criminal Justice Students. Reading for a Change is a reading program aimed at fostering and preserving the relationship between incarcerated parents and their children. An audio recording will be made of you reading a children’s book, the recording will be copied onto a CD which will be mailed along with the book to your family. Available to individuals with children in Pre-K to 6th grade.

  Facilitated by facility CASAC, A solution focused group, offered to females who have a desire to address their drug and/or alcohol addiction and self-defeating life choices. Participants have an opportunity to learn about the disease concept of addiction, healthy communication, coping mechanisms, the importance of self-care, balance and reaching out for support.