BOP Program Statement 5219.01 § 3

(a) Wardens are to ensure each committed youth offender is scheduled for a three-phase

program plan which will include a classification phase, a treatment phase, and a pre-release

phase. A program plan for each YCA inmate will be developed by the Unit Team as a part of

the classification phase. The Warden may exempt a YCA inmate from program participation

when individual circumstances warrant such exceptions. Such exceptions must be requested

and acknowledged by the inmate, and the reason(s) for exemption must be documented in the

inmate's central file.

As completion of the program plan may constitute a certification of “response to treatment”

release readiness, the U.S. Parole Commission (USPC) may choose to recommend additions,

deletions, or modifications to specific goals within the plan.

When Unit Management and the USPC cannot reach a consensus as to the content of a plan, the

matter is referred to the Regional Director through the Warden. The Regional Director consults

with the Regional Legal Counsel to resolve the matter.

Response to treatment-certified completion applies to YCA inmates who have not been released

on parole. Unit Management, in conjunction with the USPC, may initiate a response to treatment

program plan for a parole violator if warranted.

Although consistency in program planning is important, the process allows for additions and

deletions of plan goals. Subsequent changes to established plans must be justified and

documented.

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During inmate program reviews, Unit Management staff documents the initial program plan, any

subsequent changes, and progress made during the routine 90-day review process on the BP-A0571, Program Review Report.

At a minimum, the BP-A0571 must contain specific references to behavior, treatment/self-improvement, and pre-release goals, as well as Unit Management’s comments on each individual

area of the plan’s goals. For additional information refer to the Program Statement Unit

Management and Inmate Program Review.

(1) Classification phase: The classification phase begins upon the inmate's arrival at the

designated institution. It consists of evaluation, orientation, unit assignment, and concludes

when the inmate has attended the initial classification (or transfer classification) meeting with

the Unit Team. YCA inmates are to participate in the classification process prior to the

development of their individual program plans. The YCA inmate is to have received a

psychological screening prior to attending the initial classification meeting. YCA program

plans will include specific goals relative to:

(i) Behavior;

Behavioral goals may be generic or specific relative to conduct, sanitation/hygiene, work

performance, attitude/interpersonal skills, and/or communication skills.

(ii) Treatment/self improvement;

Treatment/self-improvement goals may include educational/social education, work assignment,

vocational training, substance abuse, psychological counseling, and/or health and recreation.

(iii) Pre-release.

Pre-release goals may include family visiting, vocational counseling, financial preparation for

release, escorted trips/furloughs, and/or Residential Reentry Center (RRC) placement.

(2) Treatment phase: YCA inmates are to be exposed to unit-based and community-based (if

otherwise eligible) programs. Each YCA inmate shall be periodically reviewed during this

phase. The treatment phase begins when the inmate attends the programs and activities

described in the program plan which were established at the culmination of the classification

phase. Each YCA inmate shall be assigned programs in accordance with the inmate's needs

and the established program plan. The “program day” shall consist of morning, afternoon,

and evening time periods, during which the inmate shall be scheduled for treatment

programs, work, and leisure-time activities. The inmate shall be expected to comply with the

program plan. The inmate's participation in a treatment program is required, not optional. An

inmate's failure to participate may result in disciplinary action.

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Ordinarily, YCA inmates are placed in institutions commensurate with their security levels,

custody assignments, and program needs.

Because geographical placement is important for maintaining positive community ties, every

attempt is made to designate a YCA inmate to an institution near the release area. The exception

occurs when the court has ruled the institution is prohibited from housing YCA inmates and there

has not been an in-person “no further benefit” finding to the contrary by their sentencing judge.

(3) Pre-release phase: The YCA inmate shall enter the pre-release phase approximately 9

months prior to release. The pre-release phase is ordinarily divided into two segments:

participation in the institution pre-release program and a stay at a Community Corrections

Center (CCC), if otherwise eligible. Institution pre-release programs shall focus on the types

of problems the inmate may face upon return to the community, such as re-establishing

family relationships, managing a household, finding and keeping a job, and developing a

successful life style. In addition, the pre-release phase may include visits from prospective

employers.

Community Corrections Centers (CCC) are now referred to as RRCs.

The pre-release phase for a YCA inmate may be prepared in conjunction with the Release

Preparation Program scheduled within 30 months of release, as long as it is no later than nine

months prior to release. For additional information refer to the Program Statement Release

Preparation Program.

(b) Staff shall establish incentives to motivate YCA inmates and to encourage program

completion. Examples of such incentives which may be used are special recognition, awards,

and “vacation days”.

(c) The program plan, and the YCA inmate's participation in fulfilling goals contained within

the plan, are fundamental factors considered by the U.S. Parole Commission in determining

when a YCA inmate should be paroled. Given the importance and joint use of the YCA

programming process, the current program plan and a summary of the inmate's progress in

meeting established treatment goals must be made available for review and discussion by the

Commission at each parole hearing. In addition, a staff member familiar with the YCA

inmate's case should be present at any parole hearing to clarify any questions concerning the

plan or the inmate's progress in completing the plan.

(d) Upon full and satisfactory completion of the program plan, the Warden will notify the U.S.

Parole Commission and make a specific recommendation for release.

Although pre-release planning begins with the classification phase, the pre-release phase

provides a focal point for increased emphasis immediately before release.

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