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.

The Inmate Workforce Crew Program, continued by Sheriff Apple, utilizes low-risk sentenced inmates as part of effective inmate rehabilitation programs to perform work at various locations throughout the county. Under the supervision of trained corrections officers, this program supports community programs by providing services for local governments and non-profits. As a result, Albany County residents benefit from substantial savings, and the non-profit organizations that receive assistance experience enhanced support through restorative justice initiatives.

The S.H.I.F.T program is one of the community programs focused on inmate rehabilitation, teaching inmates and those sentenced to community service a valuable skill set that can be utilized upon their return to the community. Fire brigade members trained the inmates in essential areas such as N.I.M.S. - National Incident Management System (Federal Course), Hazmat Ops - Hazardous Material Operations and Awareness, as well as CPR and First Aid, all of which contribute to restorative justice.

All individuals that enter the facility will be interviewed by a trained member of the Inmate Service Unit, who will prepare an assessment and exit strategy specifically tailored for them. They will be offered assistance in areas that have been barriers to successful re-entry, such as education, obtaining proper identification, employment aptitude, temporary housing, and other public assistance. Additionally, they will receive support through community programs and inmate rehabilitation programs that address addiction and mental health issues, ultimately contributing to a restorative justice approach.

 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. 

This program is designed to guide individuals who wish to live a drug-free lifestyle and regain control over their lives by providing essential resources for recovery, particularly through community programs that extend support long after their release from jail. Within this initiative, there is a dedicated housing unit for those struggling with heroin and opioid addictions. Participants are housed together, fostering a sense of community as they work towards a common goal of getting clean. Engaging in a group setting allows them to support each other, while also receiving extensive group and one-on-one counseling from an outside provider. As part of these inmate rehabilitation programs, SHARP equips participants with the building blocks necessary to become successful members of society and assists them in accessing continued health care, aligning with the principles of restorative justice.

A housing unit dedicated to men who have served in the United States Military. Soldier-On Staff provide community programs that address service-related issues, concerns, and transitional needs, similar to inmate rehabilitation programs and principles of restorative justice.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and the Sheriff’s Office, forming part of community programs aimed at improving lives. Designed to assist homeless dogs in finding adoption, this program also contributes positively to inmate rehabilitation programs at the Albany County Correctional and Rehabilitative Services Center. Through this partnership, homeless dogs are brought into the Correctional Facility where, during their six-week stay, they receive training and live with a small group of inmates. This program not only benefits the dogs but also enhances the inmates' skills and promotes a new way of communicating, embodying the principles of restorative justice.

This program for incarcerated individuals focuses on promoting peace, health, and wellbeing through community programs. It aims to create a more peaceful and humane incarceration environment for both inmates and staff, aligning with the principles of restorative justice and enhancing inmate rehabilitation programs.

The Albany County Sheriff’s Office has implemented an innovative inmate vegetable garden program at the Correctional Facility as part of its community programs aimed at supporting inmate rehabilitation. Inmate workers are responsible for maintaining the garden, which involves watering, weeding, and tending to the plants. Once the vegetables are mature, the inmates harvest them, and the Sheriff’s Office donates the produce to local food pantries, helping to feed families in need of assistance and promoting restorative justice in the community.

  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 aged 18-20, this initiative is part of community programs aimed at assisting incarcerated youth in turning their lives around and avoiding re-entry into the criminal justice system. The inmate rehabilitation programs offer both pre-release and post-release services, including crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, individual and group counseling, education and employment assistance, substance abuse counseling, anger and conflict management counseling, life skills training, and peer support. Individual consultations and group sessions are utilized to foster restorative justice.

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, including various community programs that focus on inmate rehabilitation programs, treatment and rehabilitation, housing, employment, and access to financial and other benefits through restorative justice initiatives.

  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, part of various community programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation, covers topics such as parental responsibilities, effective communication, interactive activities, positive discipline, and stress management, all within the framework of restorative justice.

Facilitated by the State University of New York in Albany, School of Criminal Justice Students, the Reading for a Change program is part of community programs designed to support inmate rehabilitation programs. This initiative aims to foster and preserve the relationship between incarcerated parents and their children. As part of the restorative justice efforts, you will have the opportunity to record yourself reading a children’s book. The audio recording will be copied onto a CD and mailed along with the book to your family, making this available to individuals with children in Pre-K to 6th grade.

Facilitated by facility CASAC, this solution-focused group is part of community programs offered to females who wish to address their drug and/or alcohol addiction and self-defeating life choices. Through these inmate rehabilitation programs, participants have the opportunity to learn about the disease concept of addiction, healthy communication, coping mechanisms, the importance of self-care, balance, and reaching out for support, all within the framework of restorative justice.