LA DOC – Winn Correctional Center – LaSalle

The goal for all LaSalle inmate programs is to change lives through the implementation and development of evidence-based and innovative programming solutions. From booking to re-entry, LaSalle offers a variety of programs and services to securely process, house, treat, and return inmates to society. In addition to offering typical activities like outside recreation, telephone communications, and commissary services in our facilities, there are opportunities to pursue continuing education, participate in rehabilitative programs, develop vocational skills, and even earn additional income that is available to inmates.

Program Categories

• Accountability Planning – Supervision strategies are devised by a panel of advisors (i.e., law enforcement, community partners, correctional staff, family members, etc.) in order to assure a continuum of care for the offender during incarceration and upon release. This process begins with an initial intake process for the offender in order to assess programming needs, and then follows with the implementation of an individualized plan aimed at preparing the offender for successful re-entry.
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) – CBT addresses emotional, psychological, and cognitive disorders through behavior modifications. By aiding offenders in recognizing responses to different environments and situations, CBT impacts decision-making. It identifies detrimental patterns of thought and attempts to alter them. It is effective in treating substance abuse disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and anxiety disorders.
• Family Reunification – Children with offender parents are five to six times more likely to be incarcerated than children without offender parents. Family reunification programming focuses on strengthening family support networks. Regular visitation (both face-to-face & video conferencing), family counseling, parenting skills, and services provided for the well being of the child/children, are all utilized resources.
• Victim Awareness – Offenders do not always understand the impact of crime on the community, particularly the victims. Victim awareness programming enhances offenders' comprehension of the cause and effect nature of their actions, especially as it regards to the experience of being victimized. Programming may include any resources that assist the offender in attaining this comprehension, such as panels made up of victims, facilitated group discussion, statistics, audio/visual materials, and more.
• Workforce Development – Work release programs provide a community-based experience for offenders before their release date, and the Workforce Development Program coordinates work release activities with pre-transition educational and vocational training (i.e., GED, technical certification, computer training, etc.) because the synchronization of these processes allows offenders to develop a career path by providing them with marketable skills.

Specific Programs:

• GED, Literacy Training, CDL Computer-based training, Carpentry, Plumbing, Welding, Mechanical Training, Electrical Training, Heavy Equipment Training, Computer Training, Work-Release, Resume Training, Job Application Training, Offender Managed Newsletters, Freedmen Ministry – Accountability Planning & Workforce Development.
• Faith-based Substance Abuse Programs (Celebrate Recovery, Breaking Out: Faith-based Recovery, Drawing Near – Accountability Planning, CBT, Family Reunification, & Victim Awareness.
• Secular Substance Abuse Programs (AA, NA, CA, Blue Walters 90 Substance Abuse Program, STAR 1 year Substance Abuse Program) – Accountability Planning, CBT, Family Reunification, & Victim Awareness.
• Multi-denominational Worship Services, Group and Individual Counseling, Bible Study Sessions, Reading Groups, Offender Choirs, Angel Tree Christmas Gift Ministry, Traveling Sports Teams, Bicycle Repair Program – Accountability Planning, CBT, Family Reunification, & Workforce Development.

Educational Programming – A full academic and vocational curriculum began at Winn Correctional Center in April 1990. The facility provides educational services ranging from literacy training to technical occupational preparation. All inmates are encouraged to address their educational needs while incarcerated. The staff’s philosophy is one that encourages individuals to become productive, active members of society after their release. All education programs are open to inmates who meet the entry requirements of the program. Literacy classes are designed for inmates functioning at the fourth grade and below level. Adult Basic Education classes are designed to help students functioning between fourth and sixth-grade levels. Developmental studies/High School Equivalency (HSE) preparations are designed to help students functioning above the sixth-grade level, but who have not earned a high school diploma or equivalency. The vocational classes offered are Auto Body, Basic Auto Service, Computerized Information Processing, Culinary Arts, Building Trades, Horticulture and Offset Printing Operations. Correspondence Courses are offered to those with the entry requirements and desire to further their education. The education staff monitors the testing of inmates/residents in all areas.

The Prison Enterprise Garment Factory teaches offenders a skill while supplying the Department of Corrections with offender clothing and linens. All state facilities are encouraged to purchase these items from Prison Enterprises, which is responsible for the compensation of offender incentive wages.

Other Programs and Services

• Winn Correctional Center offers a variety of self-help programs including:
• Pre-Release – utilizes individual counseling, videos and community resources to help prepare the offender for release and return to his community. Job interviews are scheduled for those who request assistance.
• MAS (Mind-Altering Substance Abuse Program) – developed to increase awareness of each participant to certain factors evident in the life of a substance abuser and continues to develop these risk factors so each participant has a thorough knowledge of his own individual risk.
• Victim Awareness – offenders are educated through guest speakers, lectures and various videos on the harm their actions have had on victims (physical, financial and otherwise) and on their own family members.
• Celebrate Recovery – a ten-month faith-based approach to substance abuse recovery that utilizes the eight principles of the Beatitudes as well as the 12-step principles.
• Thinking for a Change – consists of cognitive self-change, social skills and problem-solving skills covered in 25 lessons. The focus is on offenders 25 years of age or younger.
• Sex Offender Treatment – a four-phase course created to identify and understand the various factors involved in the commitment of sexual crimes. The Louisiana Risk Management model is also offered, which is a cognitive-based sex offender treatment program designed to work with the target behaviors of sexual aggression, abuse and deviance.
• Prison Fellowship – a pre-release program and bible study in a group setting.
• Project Metamorphosis – an introduction to basic life skills in preparation for reintegration into society.
• Character Counts – utilizes seven pillars of character to promote successful citizenship.
• AA/NA, Twelve Step and Busted Programs – all substance abuse treatment programs.
• Evening Literacy – for non-readers and those students assigned to the literacy program that may need additional assistance outside of the classroom. This class is taught by volunteers from the Winn Literacy Council.