Adult Programs

The Adult Correctional Programming Division is committed to serving the State of Maine by ensuring adult residents from the recently incarcerated to the long-term committed leave our facilities with the skills, treatment, and education needed to succeed after their period of incarceration. 

The average sentence of an adult resident in MDOC custody is 15 months (excluding sentences greater than 40 years). Regardless of how that individual spends their time in custody, they will, on average, return to Maine communities in less than two years. Our focus while they are in our care is on providing them with educational, vocational, and behavioral programming that targets and reduces the risks that contributed to their incarceration. These efforts improve their chances at reintegration as productive members of society and contribute to reduced likelihood of reoffending.

Intake & Assessment

Upon admission, adult residents receive orientation by security staff that covers expectations, rules, policies and general information. Intensive assessments are completed using validated assessment tools during the first few weeks of incarceration.

Case Management Services

From initial incarceration to release, MDOC Case Managers (CM) provide critical services for all residents. They serve as the administrator of the resident case plan, which drives a resident’s treatment programming while incarcerated, and release planning as they prepare to enter society.

Educational Opportunities

MDOC has 14 teachers throughout our adult facilities. In addition to adult basic education, college classes are offered, and residents have opportunity to earn associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees while incarcerated.

Vocational Opportunities

MDOC offers many vocational training opportunities throughout our adult facilities. Vocational programming is taught by Teachers and Vocational Trades Instructors (VTI) in MDOC's Education Department. Along with community partners, residents are trained in skills for trades and vocations that are employable upon release. These programs combine classroom time with hands-on and on-the-job training.

Vocational programs vary by facility. Some programs offered include:

  • Agriculture/Master Gardiner
  • Building Trades
  • Business Basics/Financing
  • Computer Coding Program
  • Computer Literacy & Computer Technology
  • Culinary Arts and ServSafe
  • NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) Certification
  • Small Engine Repair
  • Welding
  • Wood Harvesting

Work Release

The Department operates three facilities that participate in work release:

  • Bolduc Correctional Facility
  • Mountain View Correctional Facility
  • Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center

The work release program in the minimum facilities provides residents who meet specific criteria the opportunity to gain employment in the community. The program allows for offenders to earn wages, which are used for room and board, restitution, personal expenses and savings.

Employers: Visit our Resident Employment webpage to learn how to hire community-custody residents in work release programs.