During the first week in October, all 10 members of the DOC Parole Board toured several facilities in conjunction with their 2005 training agenda. Among the facilities toured were the Macomb, Cooper Street and G. Robert Cotton correctional facilities and the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center and Huron Valley Complex, Women.

Parole Board members discuss the intensive reentry program with Warden Bruce Curtis and his staff at the Cooper Street Correctional Facility.

The purpose of the training was for the Parole Board members to learn more about the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative and the role of each of these facilities within the MDOC and MPRI. Members of the board also wanted to observe first hand the vital collaboration taking place between Field Operations Administration (FOA) and the Correctional Facilities Administration (CFA).

"It was gratifying to observe how the re-entry model has been, and has the potential to be, incorporated in every facet of facility and field operations," said Parole Board Chairman John Rubitschun. "At several of these facilities we were able to hold group sessions with CFA and FOA staff which included a member of a community transition team."

In addition, the Parole Board also observed Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program participation at two facilities as well as a cognitive restructuring session.

"This was a very informative and valuable endeavor which has added a depth of appreciation for CFA/FOA operations and programs," added Rubitschun. "We all gained a vast amount of information which we expect to put to use as we make parole decisions in the future."

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 102705