January 2010

Detention Service and Inmate Programs:
The Programs Section of the Detentions Bureau provides educational, religious and self-improvement opportunities for the inmate population. Inmates are able to attend Substance Abuse Education, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, Domestic Violence Classes and Adult Basic Education classes. Inmates can also obtain a GED and learn English as a second language. At the Pre-Release Center, inmates can develop job readiness skills to prepare them to acquire employment upon their release. One new program offered to the inmates incarcerated in the Patrick Sullivan Detention Facility is the Hepatitis C Program which began in January 2010.

HEPATITIS C PROGRAM
This program has been given in several jails and correctional facilities in Colorado and has been offered in the Patrick Sullivan Detention Facility since January 2010.  It is given by the Hep C Connection, which is grant funded, and administered by Community Outreach. The majority of inmates attending these programs reported a high incidence of risky behaviors, such as sharing injection needles, etc. During the class, information is given on how Hepatitis C and HIV are transmitted; what behaviors contribute to the spread of it; what testing can be done; the treatment for the conditions and ways to reduce the risk of contracting the illnesses. Knowledge gained in this program is measured by giving the inmates a pre-test, and after receiving the information, a post-test.