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Programs and Services

Recovery and Reentry Programs

In an effort to combat recidivism, WCDOC facilitates resident programs centering on education, life changes, substance abuse and mental health treatment, vocational training, violence reduction and transitional services. Of note, in 2022 WCDOC began offering medication assisted treatment (MAT) to all residents diagnosed with a substance use disorder and/or are on prescribed MAT. 

Residents are assessed medically by a CASAC Counselor for initiation or continuation of SUD MAT services. Following the assessment, any residents experiencing withdrawal symptoms are treated with established medical protocols and offered stabilization with MAT.

New admission residents who are already established on MAT, have the medication continued once verified via ISTOP or with the community prescriber.  Current MAT offerings for OUD include methadone, buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone. 

WCDOC also partners with several community-based organizations on these initiatives, which include:

  • Solutions treatment for addiction and recovery programs (St. John’s Riverside, Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous). Program participants can continue receiving treatment after release. Solutions tracks graduates for a period of one-year post-release;
  • Minor and adult education educational services through SWBOCES, including GED and High School Diploma and Regents High School Diploma preparation;
  • College Courses and Seminars (Pace University)
  • Mental Health services including a newly developed Acute Mental Health Unit to treat residents suffering from significant psychiatric disorders;
  • Food service, and laundry worker certificate programs;
  • ‘Resolve to Stop the Violence,’ a nationally modeled antiviolence initiative;
  • Literacy and parenting (Sarah Lawrence College, Family Services of Westchester, Pace University);
  • Give-back gardening (Aramark and Family Services of Westchester);
  • Spiritual Care for all major faiths through hundreds of volunteers;
  • Peer mentoring for minor residents via YOP Community Outreach Workers;
  • Microprograms and guest speakers such as jazz, hip hop, yoga, crochet, art therapy, spoken word/poetry, drumming, theater, barber academy;
  • Restorative Justice Efforts via partnership with AFYA Foundation;
  • On-site Westchester County Department of Social Service Coordinator;
  • Legal Aid of Westchester County satellite office located in the Departments education center;
  • Pet Assisted Therapy Parenting Class for female and male residents;
  • Gender Specific Re-Entry Community Program: Growing Seeds;
  • Virtual GED tutoring Course partnership with the Petey Greene Foundation;
  • Victim Impact weekly course via partnership with WESTCOP;
  • Civic Education-Voter Registration Drive;
  • Lives Forward partnership with Department of Community Mental Health to offer Peer Specialist training to our residents
  • 914 United Life skills groups

We have a puppy fostering program: Puppies on the Block developed in collaboration with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue (Elmsford) and Pace University. Participants foster puppies for 2-4 weeks in designated housing units, providing structure, training, and preparation for their adoption into forever homes. This program has shown measurable improvements in participants’ mental health, including:

  • Reduced Stress & Anxiety – Lower cortisol levels and improved stress management.
  • Alleviated Depression – A sense of companionship and achievement boosts emotional well-being.
  • Increased Self-Esteem – Learning new skills fosters confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Enhanced Responsibility & Purpose – Caring for puppies helps establish routine and accountability.