Commissioner : Homer Bryson

Director of Public Affairs : Joan Heath

400 trained Cognitive Facilitators Assist

FORSYTH, Ga. – In fiscal year 2016 (July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016), 27,901 offenders completed cognitive-behavioral programs (8,213 in cognitive instruction, 372 in parenting, 1,916 in Sex & Violence and 17,400 in Substance Abuse).

“Cognitive-Behavioral programs focus on changing how one thinks and behaves and are an essential step in the rehabilitation of our offenders,” said Commissioner Homer Bryson. “We are very proud of the 27,901 completions in FY16.” 

Inmate Services seeks to reduce recidivism and increase pro-social behavior by changing offenders' thoughts, attitudes and beliefs through research-based cognitive programming. Currently, there are more than 400 trained cognitive facilitators in Georgia Department of Corrections’ (GDC) facilities.

The Department’s Cognitive Behavioral programs include Anger Management, Problem Solving Skills in Action, Thinking for a Change, Moral Reconation Therapy, Matrix Early Recovery System, Matrix Relapse Prevention, Moving On (females only), Active Parenting, Sex Offender Psychosocial Program, Family Violence, and Motivation for Change.  The Department also offers a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program, which is for high-risk offenders with a history of substance abuse, and an Offenders Under Transitions program, which is designed to address the needs of offenders in segregation with a history of violence.

GDC constantly seeks to improve and expand the programs offered. Some of the new programs for fiscal year 2017 are a Lifers Mentoring and Work Ready program, and Beyond Trauma - Breaking the Chains.

The 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 478-992-5248 or visit https://gdc.georgia.gov.