ALTERNATIVE REPORTING COMPONENT PROGRAM

Program Overview

Initiated in August 1993, the Alternative Reporting Component (ARC) is a transitional living daily reporting program that satisfies punishment, public safety and treatment objectives.  This program is an extension of the confines of the Butte Pre-Release Center and the Women's Transitional Center.  It allows offenders the opportunity to successfully reintegrate back into the community prior to an actual parole release.  This program is highly structured and presents a great challenge to its participants. 

The ARC program has the potential of reducing community correctional facility populations.  It offers an alternative to incarceration and presents a cost-effective solution.  ARC allows correctional staff an opportunity to monitor participants adjustment and correctly gauge whether the offender is ready for parole.  Participants are required to submit weekly schedules which are pre-approved by the ARC case manager.  Participant routines include multiple daily check-ins, employment, training, community support group meetings, counseling, community services, weekly criminal thinking error group and frequent drug testing.

The program establishes cooperative partnerships with probation and parole, law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies through quality training, which focuses on sound public safety practices.  It was recently expanded to a 20-slot capacity.

Program Mission

To provide a continuum of care for those offenders exiting from a pre-release program and re-entering mainstream society and to promote public safety and offender rehabilitation.

Program Goals and Objectives

CCCS staff have established the following goals and objectives to enable the program participants to achieve successful re-entry into society:

• Provide a cost effective alternative to incarceration for the Montana Department of Corrections;
• Provide increased availability of treatment resources to meet offender needs;
• Provide strict supervision;
• Provide quality public safety measures;
• Provide structure for offenders; and
• Provide employment and training opportunities.