Programming

RDAP - Residential Drug Abuse Program/500 hour drug treatment program

RDAP is the BOP's most intensive treatment program. It follows the cognitive behavioral therapy model of treatment wrapped into a modified therapeutic community model in which inmates learn what it is like living in a pro-social community. Inmates live in a unit separate from the general population, and participate in half-day programming and half-day work, school, or vocational activities. RDAP is typically nine months in duration. Research findings demonstrated that RDAP participants are significantly less likely to recidivate and less likely to relapse to drug use than non-participants. The studies also suggest that the BOP's RDAPs make a significant difference in the lives of inmates following their release from custody and return to the community. In order to successfully complete RDAP, inmates are required to also complete their term of custody at a halfway house and participate in additional treatment while at the halfway house. For more information about substance abuse treatment see http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/substanceabuse_faqs.jsp.

How long does it take to get into RDAP?

The waiting list to get into RDAP varies, but typically ranges from 3-12 months.

What length of sentence (minimum/maximum) is needed to qualify for RDAP?

When an inmate has 36 months remaining on his custody term, the inmate is interviewed for entrance into the program. Inmates must commence RDAP no later than 24 months remaining. If entering into the prison with a sentence of less than 36 months, they most likely will not be eligible.

What is the average length of RDAP?

The average length of RDAP is nine months.

How much time off can an inmate receive from his sentence by completing RDAP?

An inmate who completes RDAP successfully can receive a sentence reduction of up to 12 months. Most inmates who complete the program receive very close to the 12-month maximum reduction.

Where is RDAP available?

The facilities offering RDAP within the Northeast Region of the BOP include FCI Danbury, CT (female facility); FCI Elkton, OH; FCI Fairton, NJ; FCI Fort Dix, NJ; FPC Lewisburg, PA; and FPC McKean, PA. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, FPC Alderson, WV (female facility); FCI Morgantown, KY; and several other institutions offer RDAP. The complete list of facilities which offer RDAP can be found at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/substance.jsp, scrolling down to the bottom of the page, and clicking on RDAP locations.

What are the qualifications for RDAP?

To qualify for RDAP, an inmate must have a documented pattern of substance abuse in the 12 months prior to arrest for which he/she is serving his/her current sentence; be able to complete all three phases of RDAP, including community transition drug abuse treatment; and be diagnosed by the Drug Abuse Program Psychologist as having a drug use disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

What are the qualifications to obtain an early release under RDAP?

Inmates are not eligible if they have pending cases, warrants, their current offense was a crime of violence, have prior crimes of violence, are an ICE detainee, or other reasons listed at http://www.bop.gov/inmate_programs/sentence_computations.jsp and click on PS5880.28, page 1-78B.

If an inmate completes RDAP, does he still have to complete treatment as a condition of supervised release?

Yes

What other types of substance abuse treatment are available?

Drug Abuse Education – a motivating educational experience, not only covers the basics regarding substance use and its effects, but also serves to identify inmates with a further need for programming and refer offenders for appropriate treatment.

Nonresidential Drug Abuse Treatment – for inmates who have short sentences, those who may not meet the criteria for the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), those awaiting RDAP, those transitioning to the community, those with positive urinalysis, etc. Nonresidential treatment is a 12-week, cognitive behavioral therapy treatment program, conducted primarily with groups, that provides rational thinking, criminal lifestyles, communication skill building, and institution/community adjustment techniques.

What other types of programming are available?

The other types of programming available varies by the institution. Some examples of available programming/classes may include:

Education
English as a Second Language (ESL), GED, vocational training, apprenticeship, parenting, Release Preparation Program (RPP), adult continuing education (ACE) classes, Typing, Building Trades, Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, Solar Power Technology, Cooking Apprenticeship, HVAC, Electric, Parenting, Health and Nutrition, Weight Problems, Diabetes, National Federation of Professional Trainers Endurance, and various physical fitness classes.

Counseling
Self-Image Groups, Cage your Rage, Reentering on Firm Footing, Mentoring, Successful Living, Responsibility for your Relationships, Attitude-the Choice is Yours, Positive Mental Attitude, Who Moved My Cheese, Memory Power, Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Self-Discovery, Beat the Street, Victim Awareness/Impact Panel, individual counseling, mental health classes, group counseling programs, substance abuse, AA/NA, Correctional Counseling, Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), Residential Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-R; this intensive program is only available at FMC Devens, MA), Release Preparation Program (RPP), Resume Development, Job Search, Banking and Budget, Budget and Credit, and Life Connections.

Does the length of a sentence or time remaining on a sentence impact eligibility for programming?

Yes, the length of a sentence or time remaining on a sentence may impact eligibility for programming, but it depends on the program. For example, the BOP would not want an inmate to complete a program early in a lengthy custody term if the inmate’s certification would expire before their release date or the inmate would have to pay renewal fees to maintain the certification.

Is there a waiting list for some programs (e.g., sex offender treatment)?

All programs with a definite start and finish date have a waiting list (e.g., RDAP, Life Connections, Sex Offender Management Program). Inmates may request staff to place them on a waiting list. Often when determining when the inmate will commence these types of programs, the inmate’s months to release date is the determining factor. For instance, an inmate typically commences RDAP or Life Connections when he has 24-36 months remaining on his sentence and typically commences Sex Offender Management when he has three years remaining on his custody term.

Are inmates still eligible for BOP programs if they are not a U.S. citizen?

Inmates are still eligible for nearly all BOP programs, including educational, vocational, substance abuse, and sex offender treatment, even if they are not U.S. citizens. The only known program an inmate would not be eligible for would be the Life Connections program. It is noted that if an inmate completes RDAP, he will not be eligible for an early release from custody.

Can participation in programming reduce an inmate's custody term?

Successful completion of RDAP is the only way to reduce a custody term (up to 12 months).