NH Department of Corrections Introduces New Relapse Prevention Treatment Program

CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Corrections is pleased to announce the launch of its new Relapse Prevention Program located at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men in Concord. The program, designed for individuals returning to incarceration as the result of a parole violation, addresses the unique needs of these residents by providing tailored treatment and support to help them successfully reintegrate back into the community.

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections has a long history of providing mental health treatment to incarcerated individuals. Headed by Administrator of Substance Use Disorder Services, Diane York, and Master Level Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) Michelle Jerry, the Relapse Prevention Program joins several other modeled therapeutic communities within the department’s facilities, including its Wellness Units, the Residential Treatment Unit, the Pathways Program, and the Focus Program. New Hampshire Department of Corrections licensed mental health professionals use industry standard assessment tools to make recommendations for treatment including but not limited to the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s ASAM Criteria, the most widely used and comprehensive set of standards used by licensed alcohol and drug addiction counselors to determine placement, continued service, and transfer of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. 

While the percentage of those who violate their parole is only 2% of the overall parole caseload, parole violations make up the highest percentage of the department’s overall admission rate. Through the department’s continued analysis of the care needs of individuals returning to incarceration as the result of a parole violation, repeat substance misuse is the second highest parole violation driver behind a person’s return to criminal behavior. Through a case-by-case review of parole revocation cases, it is frequently affirmed that a repeat pattern of non-compliance with treatment, re-arrests, and repeat relapse episodes are common occurrences for those returning to incarceration.

Central to the program's success are its key components: Program Structure, Aftercare Transition, Intensive Outpatient Approach, and Continuous Assessment. The intensive outpatient approach emphasizes personalized care, focusing on individual needs and progress to determine the most appropriate level of support all throughout the treatment program. For those whose clinical assessment outcome requires higher level of service delivery, a transfer to the Focus Program is an option.  The program structure provides consistent and comprehensive support by holding group sessions three times per week and providing participants with the necessary tools for their recovery journey. Upon completion of the program, residents transition to Aftercare, ensuring a continuum of care as they transition back into community treatment. 

“The introduction of the Relapse Prevention Program underscores the department’s continued commitment to expanding our range of treatment offerings, recognizing that a one size fits all model is not the right approach,” said Commissioner Helen Hanks. “These initiatives present a distinct opportunity to support individuals returning on parole violations by tailoring treatment to their specific needs, as identified through assessment. The department aims to empower individuals involved in the justice system to engage in programming that affords them the best path to long-term positive change in their lives.”

The New Hampshire Department of Corrections remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing innovative programs that support rehabilitation, healthy people, and communities. The Relapse Prevention Program tailored for parole violators exemplifies this dedication, providing essential resources and therapeutic interventions for individuals re-entering incarceration due to parole violations.