TDOC Launches Treatment Academy

WARTBURG - The Tennessee Department of Correction has launched the Correctional Treatment Academy at the Morgan County Correctional Complex.  The academy is a new 300-bed housing unit for offenders with a wide-range of needs including a history of behavioral and/or substance abuse issues.

This first of its kind program in the TDOC is designed for inmates who are within four years or less of being released.  "The goal is to give offenders a greater chance of success when they return to the community," said Jim Cosby, TDOC Assistant Commissioner of Rehabilitative Services.

The academy will focus on getting inmates ready to go home.  For nine to twelve months, inmates will take part in programs ranging from educational and vocational to learning to give back to their communities.  Commissioner George M. Little said, "We are very excited about the academy because of the outstanding work done by staff and inmates.  The academy is based on proven practices, which lead to fewer returns to prison, safer communities and savings of scarce taxpayer dollars."

The media is invited to visit the academy on Friday, December 12.