News: Press Releases

For Release: June 27, 2002 - Contact: Larry Traylor, (804) 674-3574

COMPASS Task Force Evaluates Treatment Services for Offenders

RICHMOND – Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Ron Angelone announced today the recommendations of a task force on treatment and aftercare. Established in July, 2001, the Comprehensive Organizational Matrix for Program Activities and Service Systems (COMPASS) Task Force was directed to evaluate the Department’s opportunities for a comprehensive and seamless transition of an offender into the community.

“The DOC has moved purposefully forward with great success to strengthen security operations and revamp our classifications system,” said Angelone. “The next challenge is to address treatment, programming and delivery of aftercare services to enhance operational efficiencies. Our COMPASS Task Force is meeting this challenge.”

The COMPASS five-point plan will:

a. Enhance the coordination of treatment and flow of information between distinctive parts of the DOC and related agencies and programs.

b. To clearly identify and assess the needs of the offender, and to develop an appropriate offender management plan.

TARGET PROBATION & PAROLE POPULATION:123

c. To develop resources and deliver services that address identified transitional needs.

d. To evaluate the progress of offenders and the effectiveness of programs.

e. Provide information regarding services and outcomes to stakeholders

The Task Force assessed current treatment and educational opportunities, determined what gaps exist in the service delivery system, and devised a plan to integrate these programs in a focused, systematic method designed to promote a continuum of effective treatment programs and aftercare services.

“The success of the COMPASS Task Force was dependent upon the diverse nature of the DOC and Department of Correctional Education professionals selected to participate,” said Angelone. “Treatment and educational programs will be strategically improved through continuous monitoring and evaluation. Of course the main objective of this effort is, as always, to serve and protect the citizens of the Commonwealth.”