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WARM SPRINGS ADDICTIONS TREATMENT & CHANGE (WATCh)
PROGRAM
Program Overview
WATCh is a
partnership between Community, Counseling, and Correctional Services, Inc.
(CCCS) and the Montana Department of Corrections (MDOC). The program
is based on a Modified Therapeutic Community
model of treating addictions and the subsequent social issues.
The WATCh
Program opened on February 1, 2002 and was
the culmination of efforts by
CCCS and MDOC to provide effective treatment
and correctional programming services for a
rapidly increasing segment of
the adult male population who are chemically dependent.
WATCh is an alternative,
pro-active
response
to traditional sentencing of adult felony
DUI offenders.
The WATCh Program is located in the
Xanthopoulos Building on the campus of Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs,
Montana. The Warm Springs Campus is located in Southwestern Montana
approximately 20 miles Northwest of Butte on Interstate 90.
WATCh serves male
fourth and subsequent DUI offenders and has a capacity of 106 individuals. This program is a
cost-effective sentencing alternative that allows individuals to receive
treatment in lieu of extended stays in jail or prison.
View the WATCh Program
Statistics. (PDF 60.3 KB)
View the Program
Directory. PDF 32 KB)
Program
Mission
The Warm Springs Addictions Treatment and
Change Program is a six-month, intensive, cognitive behavioral based
Modified Therapeutic Community, which assists
Family
Members (clients) to develop those skills necessary to create pro-social
change, reduce anti-social thinking, criminal behavior patterns
and the negative effects of chemical addictions while
integrating more fully into society.
Program
Goals
The WATCh Program has as one of its primary
goals the operation of a safe, humane program that provides a place of
custody and provides programs and services that offer Family Members
opportunities for positive change. Specific goals have additionally been
set as bench marks for the measurement of the services provided and are as
follows:
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To increase the offenders' level of knowledge of chemical
dependency and the consequences of drinking and driving.
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To provide offenders' with treatment and associated
services necessary to create pro-social change, reduce anti-social
thinking, criminal behavior patterns and the negative effects of
chemical dependency particularity as it relates to drinking and driving.
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To promote responsibility and accountability of offenders
by providing an experiential pro-social community environment.
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To decrease the incidences of further DUI and other
drug-related convictions.
Program Objectives
CCCS staff have established the following objectives to enable
WATCh to best achieve stated program goals:
-
All Family Members will be assessed
upon intake using the following cross referenced diagnostic tools:
(1) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV);
(2) Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI);
(3) Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test -- the "short" being a
shorter version of the original version (Short MAST);
(4) CAGE, which is a verbal screening method used to establish an index
of suspicion. The acronym, CAGE, is based on these questions:
Have you ever decided to cut down on your
drinking?
Have you ever been annoyed by questions
about your drinking?
Have you ever felt guilty about your
drinking?
Have you ever needed a morning eye-opener?
- All Family Members will participate in
developing a Phase I individualized treatment plan.
- Ninety-eight percent of the Family Members admitted to
the WATCh Program will progress from Phase I to Phase II and will have
developed an individualized recovery plan by the end of Phase II.
- Each Family Member advancing to Phase
II will participate in developing a Phase II individualized treatment
plan.
- Ninety-eight percent of all Family Members advancing to
Phase II will progress to Phase III.
- All Family Members advancing to Phase
III will participate in developing a Phase III individualized treatment
plan.
- All Family Members will participate in
an individual counseling session upon admission into the program.
- All Family Members will participate in
an individual counseling session with his/her lead counselor upon
advancement to Phase II.
- All Family Members will participate in
an individual counseling session with his/her lead counselor upon
advancement to Phase III.
- All Family Members will participate in a
staffing and continued stay session at least once every 30 days.
- All Family Members will meet with the
Aftercare Coordinator at least 60 days before program completion.
- Ninety-eight percent of the Family Members will have
developed a community-based aftercare place by the end of the program.
- All Family Members will participate in a
discharge conference with the treatment and aftercare staff prior to
discharge.
Core Program Beliefs
The WATCh
Program is dedicated to helping those entrusted to our care. As such, the
staff has developed the following core beliefs:
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In treating
each Family Member with dignity and respect and the same is required of
them when interacting with staff or others.
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That people
can change, that their past behavior is not always the best indicator of
their future behavior, and that treatment provides the pathways to
change.
-
That
repeatedly driving under the influence is criminal behavior that follows
from criminal thinking and that criminal thinking can be challenged and
changed.
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In holding
Family Members accountable for their actions (both positive and
negative).
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That each
Family Member has the ability to acquire the necessary tools to achieve
a clean and sober lifestyle upon treatment completion, and that
continuing care is essential to long term sobriety.
-
That every
individual is entitled to, and can achieve, a life free of chemicals.
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Through the
sharing of pain, each person will reconnect with their own spirituality.
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That
chemical dependency effects the body, mind and spirit. That the spirit
can be revived, and that any and all authentic spiritual journeys will
result in improvement in all areas of the chemically dependent person's
life.
-
Staff is
responsible to role model tolerance, acceptance, patience, honesty, and
integrity and that these are reinforced through our words and actions.
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That the
community benefits from what we do.
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In managing
situations, not people, we guide people (both staff and Family Members).
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In
using the talents, knowledge, and skills of everyone on our team.
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That the
following characteristics are essential for a healthy staff:
Understanding, adaptability, tolerance, honesty, cooperation, ethical
use of company resources, active listening and loyalty.
Description
What are the key components of the WATCh Program?
Security is our
top
priority:
Although the WATCh
Program is ostensibly a treatment program, it is still a correctional
program and those individuals receiving treatment at the facility are still
offenders. Therefore, public safety is of paramount concern for the WATCh
Program. CCCS has implemented the following security control
features:
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24-hour, 7-day a week security
staff on-site;
-
Regular and random
security searches of
offenders and their living areas as well as common and treatment spaces.
View the security
inspection form;
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Regular and random
breathalyzer and urinalysis screening and testing;
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Perimeter fencing; and
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21 security cameras of the
interior and exterior areas. Cameras supplement not supplant security
personnel.
Programming Intensity and Daily Schedule:
Family Members in the WATCh Program receive
extensive and varied programming seven days a week. Family Members are also
responsible to complete individual assignments, participate in recreational
and religious opportunities, complete therapeutic tasks and participate in
other projects as determined by their respective treatment team and family.
The daily schedule
provides for structured activities that are organized, consistent and
routine, while still allowing individuals to have free time.
Program Phases:
The WATCh Program includes three distinct
phases. Each phase has specific requirements, as well as individual
responsibilities and privileges. Family Members may not progress through
the phases without the endorsement of their respective treatment team.
What are the specific
treatment and ancillary service programs offered at the WATCh Program?
Chemical Dependency Programming:
WATCh uses Criminal Conduct and
Substance Abuse Treatment: Strategies for Self Improvement and Change
as the core curriculum for addressing both the chemical dependency and
criminal conduct issues of our Family Members. The program, developed by
Wanberg and Milkman, is a cognitive-behavioral based curriculum that is
ideally suited for a long-term program and is “open-ended” so that Family
Members are able to enter the programming at any point. Chemical Dependency
group is conducted six days a week for approximately 1.5 hours per day.
The treatment curriculum is segmented into three phases. The first,
Challenge to Change, is a reflective-contemplative phase and involves
building a working relationship with the Family Member and helping him/her
to develop the motivation to change. The major focus is developing
self-awareness through self-disclosure and receiving feedback. Phase 2 is
an Action Phase involving the Family Member in an active
demonstration of implementing and practicing change. Each Family Member
undergoes an in-depth assessment of his/her life situations and problems.
Each Family Member will look carefully at the critical areas that need
change and improvement. Targets of change are identified and a series of
lessons developed to strengthen the basic skills for change. The final
phase, Phase 3, is known as the Ownership of Change. This
stabilization and maintenance phase involves the Family Members
ownership of change over time. Programming involves treatment experiences
designed to reinforce and strengthen the commitment to established changes.
The concepts of relapse and recidivism prevention will be thoroughly
reviewed.
Cognitive Behavioral Programming:
Cognitive Principles and Restructuring
(CP&R) is a program that was developed by the Montana State Prison, and has
achieved impressive outcome results. CP&R is conducted five days per
week for approximately 1.5 hours per session. This component is delivered
in both individual and group settings by trained staff. Family Members
learn and practice the following steps to change:
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see the behavior to change;
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identify the thinking behind
the behavior;
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identify the patterns and
cycles of that thinking;
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detail the underlying
attitudes and beliefs that drive the thinking;
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develop interventions,
controls and alternative ways of thinking;
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prepare a plan to make and
sustain change; and
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apply and monitor the plan.
Criminal Thinking Errors:
In addition to the above mentioned program,
WATCh uses the Truthought program by David W. Koerner. This program
consists of lectures and homework assignments focusing on the Family Members
criminal thinking errors.
Anger Management:
All Family Members are screened and assessed
for participation in Anger Management. This group is held weekly for
approximately one hour and consists of 8-10 sessions. This is a “closed
program” and therefore one group will begin and end together, which helps to
enhance trust and sharing of sensitive issues.
Family Relationships/Parenting Programming:
All Family Members are screened and assessed
for participation in our Family Relationships/Parenting group. This program
consists of 12 weekly sessions, lasting approximately one hour and is
open ended. Family Members begin at any point and progress at their own
pace. The program consists of group work, reading assignments, reflections
and written work.
Grief Group:
WATCh uses a program written by one of
its counselors, Beverly Welo, titled: Life Beyond Loss: A Workbook
for Incarcerated Men and Picking Up The Pieces: A Workbook for
Incarcerated Women. These groups address the grief and loss issues
that many of our Family Members face. Individuals are referred by their
primary treatment team and the group typically lasts two months.
Women’s and Men’s Issues:
These separate groups are focused on
addressing the unique needs and issues which face men and women. The
Woman’s Group uses the Helping Women Recover series which
is specifically targeted at helping women who are in a correctional
setting. The Men’s Group uses the Men’s Work Workbooks,
by Paul Kivel. This series incorporates three workbooks titled: “Anger,
Power, Violence and Drugs”; “Becoming Whole”; and “Growing Up Male.” Both
groups consist of group work, reading assignments, and journaling.
Life Skill
Development:
All Family Members at the WATCh Program
participate in Life Skill Development classes. These classes, which are
conducted by the Community and Employment Specialist and Intensive
Community Case Manager/After Care Coordinator, cover the following topics:
interpersonal skills, financial management, food management, personal
appearance, health, employment seeking, employment maintenance, legal
skills, emergency and safety skills, community resources, and housekeeping.
AA/NA Meetings and Big Book Study Group:
WATCh encourages all Family Members to learn
about one of the foundations of recovery – Alcoholics Anonymous, the Big
Book of AA, and its “sister” group, Narcotics Anonymous. While the Program
realizes that not everyone embraces the AA philosophy, its core principles
are applicable to working any recovery program and are an excellent resource
for individuals who are new (or “old”) to recovery.
Victim’s Issues:
All Family Members will also participate in
a Victim’s Issues education and awareness program. A key component in
addressing the criminal thought process is to have the individual feel
remorse and empathy for others. This program is designed to begin to break
through the concept that, for most individuals who enter WATCh, driving
under the influence is a “victim-less” crime.
Family Education Classes:
WATCh believes that educating our Family
Members’ family and friends is crucial in the treatment and recovery
process. Therefore, all visitors are required to attend an hour long
educational class prior to visiting any Family Member. This “course”
consists of 8 sessions. Once the individual completes all eight
sessions they are considered to have completed the course and are no longer
required to attend prior to visiting the Family Member.
Recreational Opportunities:
The facility boasts a gymnasium, weight room
and outdoor recreational areas for Family Members to utilize for leisure and
fitness purposes. Research has consistently proved that improving one’s
physical body helps to improve one’s mental health. All Family Members are
allowed the opportunity to exercise at least one hour, and sometimes, two
hours per day.
Spiritual Services:
WATCh employs a non-denominational Chaplain
who has over 20 years of experience in ministering to correctional
populations. Sunday Services, Bible study, and spiritual counseling are
available to any Family Member who wishes to participate.
WATCh also hosts a weekly Sweat Lodge to
better address the spiritual needs and beliefs of our Native American
population, or anyone who may want to participate. The Sweat Lodge was
designed and constructed with the help of staff and Family Members and
“Sweats” are held on Sundays and typically last for 3 hours with separate
“sweats” for men and women. The Program also encourages the use of other
traditional Native American traditions such as Smudging, Medicine Bags and
use of sacred herbs/roots.
Family Members who have other beliefs and
traditions are welcomed, and the Program strives to make as many
accommodations for the practicing of these beliefs as possible within the
confines of our facility and security needs.
Administration and Program Staff
A dedicated team of staff distinguished by
both education and experience provide services at WATCh. CCCS
has carefully selected a diverse, professional staff to ensure that
Family Members receive the most effective environment for correctional
programming and community transitional services.
View a brief biography of our key program staff.
Contact Information
Alex Vukovich, Program
Administrator
P.O. Box G
Warm Springs, MT 59756
Phone: 406.693.2272 ext. 1004 Fax: 406.693.2276
Making the Referral
We will accept
referrals to the Program from every aspect of the Montana criminal justice
system, including, but not limited to: DOC Officials; Probation and Parole
Officials; Prosecutors; Public Defenders; and Judicial Authorities.
Significant
others and interested individuals may (and are strongly encouraged to)
contact the program directly to gain more information, however, they are
not able to make a self-referral.
In order to
refer an individual, the program must receive a completed WATCh Application,
a criminal background history (i.e. Pre Sentence Investigation or National
Crime Information Center), and any other legal or medical documentation
that may exist which could affect admission (i.e.; other charges, warrants/detainers,
order of revocation, parole board instructions, medical procedures/issues,
etc.). Additional, supplemental information, which is referred to
in the application is greatly appreciated, but not required (unless specified
by the program and/or screening committee).
When making a referral,
please complete the Applicant Information
Sheet (HTML Version) and the Admission Application
Form (HTML Version or
PDF Version).
Please submit all
referrals to:
Alex Vukovich,
Program Administrator
P.O. Box G
Warm Springs, MT 59756
Phone: 406.693.2272 ext. 1004 Fax: 406.693.2276
Once a referral is received, a program screening
committee determines an individual's acceptance into the program.
The WATCh committee consists of two representatives from the
program, two representatives from MDOC, one individual from
Anaconda/Deer Lodge County law enforcement and one Montana State
Hospital representative. In all cases, referring individuals
and agencies will be notified in writing as to the admissions status
and possible start date of the referred individual.
Generally, all individuals convicted of a fourth or
subsequent DUI are accepted – indeed, WATCh accepts over 91% of those
referred to the program. However, there are some exclusions which apply
such as: multiple convictions requiring a higher level of supervision,
medical conditions which cannot be treated or properly managed in the
program, severe mental health issues/active suicidal ideation, or sex offenses
(automatic denial).
The screening process is the only means of admission into the
Program. The WATCh screening committee convenes at least every other Wednesday,
and all referral sources will be notified within 24 hours of their referents
acceptance or denial to the program.
Upon acceptance
into the WATCh Program, there are specific items that are authorized for
Family Members (clients) to bring. Specialty items not listed must
be cleared in advance by the Security Coordinator.
View the initial intake
Personal Property List.
(PDF)
View an overall description of
the Authorized Personal Property List.
(PDF)
View the detailed Authorized
Personal Property List.
(PDF)
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