MSP Programs & Services

Programs

• Adult Education and HiSet
• Alternatives to Violence Programs
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Program
• College
• Criminal Addictive Thinking
• Impact of Crime
• Inside-Out Dads / Parenting Program
• Interpersonal Violence Programming
• Intensive Mental Health Unit
• Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Services
• Reentry Programming
• Restrictive Housing Program
• Veteran's Program
• Vocational Programming
• WorkReady

Education Services

The Education Department offers a variety of academic and life skills programs.  Tutoring in literacy/remedial reading is provided by qualified prison tutors, literacy volunteers, and teachers.  All tutors are LVA certified.  Academic classes include basic computer instruction, GED prep, typing, English, horticulture, science, and college prep math.  College classes are also offered over ITV (interactive television).  Special programs, such as art, creative writing, music, literature, language, and a pre-release exit program, are also offered by the Education Department.

Mental Health Services

The Mental Health Service Department assures assessment and treatment planning for all residents with major mental illnesses or behavioral disorders. Treatment includes individual supportive counseling, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, group therapy, and psychopharmacological medications as indicated. The department also provides crisis intervention, discharge planning, staff training, and psycho-educational groups, e.g. anger management relapse prevention, sex offenders. The mental health staff work closely with security and medical personnel, as well as with other agencies to provide consistency and continuity of patient-resident care and treatment.

Substance and Abuse Services

Individual Counseling - One on one counseling services provided to those who request it (focusing on recovery issues). Initial appointments address assessment and evaluation leading to development of a treatment plan, prioritizing treatment issues appropriate to the individual.The Substance Abuse Department provides the following services:

• Group Counseling- Several closed time limited groups are offered:  Commitment to Change (10 weeks); Relapse Prevention (8 weeks); Return to Self-Relapse Prevention (12 weeks); Addiction 101 (15 hours) psycho-educational, small group (4 persons) and large group (12 persons); intensive six month 12 Step Group (3-7 participants).
   
• Drop-In - Weekly group available to individuals on the waiting list.  Provides basic information on a variety of subjects, informative in nature.
   
• Self-Help - Actively supports Ledge AA group.  Staff liaison working with administration, board members, community sponsors and volunteers to coordinate activities.  Also working with Medical Department on monthly support group for individuals with HIV virus.
   

Social Services

Maine State Prison provides varied social services to the resident population and serves the needs of the Department of Corrections.  All residents sentenced to the Maine State Prison are assigned to either a licensed Correctional Caseworker (L.S.W.) or a Correctional Care and Treatment Worker (C.C.T.W.) who will see the resident after his arrival.

The caseworker/CCTW assists the resident in developing an Individual Case Plan (I.C.P.), release plans as well as serving on the Unit Management Team and also frequently plays a role in defusing potentially disruptive situations.  These functions taken together serve to control institutional tensions and provide a more stable environment.

Industries Program

The Maine State Prison Industries Program provides residents with opportunities to develop job skills, work experience, and strong work ethics through hands-on vocational training. The program includes the Wood Shop, Upholstery Shop, and Metal Shop, with products available through the Maine State Prison Showroom.

• Wood Shop - Residents handcraft wood products including cutting boards, furniture, bureaus, hutches, and other specialty items. The Finishing Shop completes final preparation and finishing work, providing training in woodworking, craftsmanship, and quality control.
• Upholstery Shop - The Upholstery Shop produces items such as cushions, canvas bags, and other handcrafted products. Residents also gain experience through contracted work, including chair sanding, chair caning, and rush roping.
• Metal Shop - The Metal Shop provides residents with training in metalworking, fabrication, equipment operation, safety practices, and production skills. The program helps participants develop practical trade skills and workplace experience.

Through Maine State Prison Industries, residents gain valuable vocational skills and experience that support employment opportunities and successful reentry into the community.

Groups

There are several resident self-help groups at the Maine State Prison including AA, Jaycees, Long Timer's, HIV Peer Education, Yokefellow, and NAACP. All groups meet on a weekly basis and report to a staff person designated as liaison. Some of the groups also include volunteers from the community who meet inside the prison on a regular basis.

Religion

The Chaplains offer extensive pastoral counseling on a weekly basis.

Shared Resources with Bolduc Correctional Facility