In 2022, the Maine Department of Corrections launched a transformative approach to corrections, emphasizing rehabilitation, mutual respect, human dignity, and community reintegration. Known as the Maine Model of Corrections, this philosophy focuses on humanizing the correctional experience, fostering collaboration between staff and residents, and preparing individuals for successful reentry into society.
Years of Corrections in Maine
MDOC Presentations
Maine Model of Corrections - NRTI, 2024
The Maine Model of Corrections - American Correctional Association, 2022
Restrictive Housing: The Impacts of Systemic Wellness - Correctional Leaders Association, 2022
Destigmatizing Corrections: Language Matters -Warden Exchange, 2022
The Maine Model of Corrections: Humanizing Corrections through Connections - University of New England, 2023
Core Principles
- Normalization: Normalization: Despite the “abnormal” nature of incarceration and community supervision, “normalization” means striving to create real-world, socially acceptable “norms” whenever possible. This includes the kinds of physical spaces, experiences, cultural dynamics, and methods of maintaining order in our communities. It also means allowing normalized opportunities that prepare people for success. The degree of normalization that is possible corresponds to one’s ability to self-regulate and engage safely and pro-socially with others. Normalization incentivizes and reinforces personal growth and positive community engagement while instilling a sense of hope for a better future.
- Humanization: All people, without exception, have a dignity which must be honored. Recognizing this dignity, all interactions between people should be professional and respectful no matter what the circumstances, including during times of struggle, disagreement or conflict. Healthy communications are relational, caring, non-judgmental, authentic, and supportive. They are also sensitive to the fact that nobody is perfect, and we all struggle with obstacles like trauma while also recognizing the value, potential for growth and redemption in all. In support of humanization, staff must enforce rules and order to preserve physical and psychological safety - while expecting people to make mistakes which can become opportunities for growth. Staff should maintain vigilance – while restraining of hyper-vigilance, cynicism and negativity. In short, we all should treat others respectfully, and as we would want ourselves, or closest loved ones, to be treated.
- Destigmatization: Everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their full potential. Negative stigmas and stereotypes about the nature of corrections work, correctional staff, residents in our facilities and clients in our communities are contrary to the mission of making our communities safer. Such stigmas fail to honor human dignity and obstruct the hope of redemption. For these reasons, practices and language that cause shame or are unnecessarily punitive or promote negative stereotypes should be replaced with practices and language that are purposeful and recognize the importance of human dignity and the hope of redemption.
Key Initiatives
- Revised Mission and Vision: With staff input, MDOC developed new guiding statements that align with the principles of the Maine Model, focusing on rehabilitation and community safety.
- Mission: Making our communities safer by reducing harm through supportive intervention, empowering change and restoring lives.
- Values: Accountability, Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork.
- Enhanced Staff Training and Recruitment: Training programs are designed to reflect the model's principles, ensuring that staff are equipped to support residents effectively. The model also shapes our employer brand, helping us attract quality candidates aligned with our mission and values.
- Facility Reforms: Living spaces have been reimagined to create environments that support rehabilitation and personal growth.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Improved data practices enable better outcomes by informing policies and program development.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborations with victim service organizations and community partners strengthen community transition practices and enhance public safety.
Evidence-Based Programming and Treatment
MDOC offers a range of programs grounded in evidence-based practices to address the diverse needs of residents:
- Mental Health Services: Trauma-informed and gender-responsive behavioral health services are available to all residents through partnerships with providers like Wellpath.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MDOC provides universal access to MAT for residents with opioid use disorder, aiming to reduce opioid-related mortality and support recovery.
- Faith-Based Initiatives: Programs like PRIMO (Prison-Based Interventions for Muslim Offenders) offer culturally and religiously tailored rehabilitation.
- Sex Offender Treatment: Intensive, evidence-based treatment is provided to address the specific needs of persons with problematic sexual behavior, including relapse prevention and aftercare planning.
Community Reintegration and Reentry
Programs and facilities like Leading the Way, Waypoint, the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center, Bolduc Correctional Facility, and Downeast Correctional Facility are designed to support residents' transition back into society. They offer such opportunities as educational programs, vocational training, and wellness activities, fostering a supportive environment for reintegration.