Evidence Based Programming Now offered at Hancock State Prison

Commissioner: Timothy C. Ward

Director of Public Affairs: Joan Heath

First Close Security State Facility

FORSYTH, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) announced the implementation of Evidence Based Programming (EBP) at Hancock State Prison (SP) in Sparta, Ga.  Hancock SP is the first close security facility in the state to offer this two-year, four-phase program to offenders. 

“The education offenders receive in the Evidence Based Program will assist them with changing their mindset and providing them with the tools needed to become productive, law-abiding citizens,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward.  “This program is another step in the right direction to help ensure the safe and secure operations of our facilities, and ultimately assist offenders with a successful transition upon release.”

The EBP includes electives that focus on making life changes and positive choices, with some offenders opting to participate in a voluntary gang renunciation course.  While working with community partners, utilizing peer mentoring and the concepts of social learning theory to promote a successful return to the community, the overall goal of the EBP is to drive the improvement of an offender’s cognitive abilities and self-concept.

For more information and to hear from offenders in the program, please visit https://bit.ly/2E2TgM9

About the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC)

The Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) has one of the largest prison systems in the U.S. and is responsible for supervising nearly 52,000 state prisoners. It is the largest law enforcement agency in the state with approximately 10,500 employees. For more information on the GDC, call 478-992-5247 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.