Press Release  Community Corrections Centers are offering virtual group sessions for Probationers, parolees, and community organizations

Boston — Although the 18 Community Corrections Centers are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, probationers, and now a host of system connected individuals, may participate in virtual group counseling and educational and employment skills training via video and audio conferencing apps such as Zoom and HD Meet. The Office of Community Corrections, which manages the statewide network of centers, has opened these classes and sessions to all probationers, including Specialty Court participants;  parolees; and participants of community organizations such as the emerging adult-focused programs UTEC in Lowell and ROCA in Chelsea. 

In the past week, approximately 200 probationers and individuals statewide received instruction via video conference on a range of topics. 

The classes on the platform include Charting a New Course, Relapse Prevention, Breaking the Cycle, Coping with Anger, Criminal Conduct and Substance Abuse Treatment, Seeking Employment, and Studying for the Hi-Set.  

Work on the remote learning curriculum began before the pandemic, according to Vincent Lorenti, Office of Community Corrections Director. Lorenti said OCC purchased licensing several years ago and has been offering evidence-based cognitive behavioral programming called CBT4CBT which is cloud-based and delivers cognitive behavioral treatment to address substance abuse disorder in seven, 30-minute modules. Each model has an associated questionnaire that participants work through to master the skill featured in the module. These modules include such topics as Dealing with Peers and Coping with Triggers. Instructors may review participants' progress by logging in remotely.  

Lorenti said the classes were well-received prior to the unprecedented pandemic and are "all the more important during these current set of extraordinary circumstances."

"We are pleased to offer statewide, high-quality, evidence-based remote programming as an option for Probation Officers to consider during this period of shrinking community based services. We also appreciated the opportunity to partner with other agencies such as the Massachusetts Parole Board, UTEC, and ROCA,"  Lorenti said. "The  topics align with and helps address evidence-based, risk/need areas central to supporting clients in the community."

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