Knoxville Day Reporting Center Graduates 12 Participants

KNOXVILLE – Last Thursday, the Tennessee Department of Correction’s Knoxville Day Reporting Center (DRC) held its first graduation ceremony.  A total of twelve clients were honored for last night, marking almost of year of sobriety for them all and the completion of the three-phase intensive, substance abuse treatment program.  Since opening last year, the DRC program has provided tailored treatment to each participant, utilizing evidence-based programs taking nine to twelve months to complete.

“I am proud of all of you, and the work you put in to reach this milestone,” said Judge Steven Sword, who was in attendance to present certificates to four of the graduates.  “Now that you have the tools to continue with your sobriety, and you know you have the support here at the Day Reporting Center, I expect the next time we see one another to be in much better, happier circumstances.”

“The DRC program didn’t just help me achieve sobriety,” said Peter Berrio, one of the DRC graduates.  “They helped way me up the fact that I couldn’t keep living life the way I had been, and that there was a better way to cope and manage life’s problems.”

Addressing the causes of recidivism is essential to enhancing public safety.  Often times, offenders’ criminal behavior is directly related to a struggle with substance abuse. The DRC program serves to address these issues through daily reporting, comprehensive treatment, and access to resources, all within a model focused on accountability and self-discipline.  Reducing recidivism through evidence-based programs is a central element of the Tennessee Department of Correction’s non-negotiable mission to ensure and enhance public safety.  Learn more about TDOC’s DRCs by visiting: https://www.tn.gov/correction