Inmate/Resident Programs

Effective programs have become an essential part of both Adult and Juvenile Corrections Institutions. While incarcerated, provision of programs relating to educational opportunities, physical, social and mental health stability, maintenance of family relationships, and religious freedom and practice, are some areas by which the quality of offender life in a correctional institution can be measured.

The Shawnee County Department of Corrections has embarked on meeting these needs with respective programs departments at the Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers.
Regular programs conducted at the Juvenile Detention Center are:

• Weekly reading exercises provided by the Optimist Club of Topeka.
• Weekly social skills/life skills presentations by the Program's Officer.
• Teachers from 501 School District classroom educational curriculum instructions Monday through Friday.
• Daily exercise opportunities at the facility gymnasium.
• Weekly religious services
• Monthly barber services
• Commissary

Regular programs held at the Adult Detention Center are:

• Alcoholics Anonymous Groups
• Angel Tree Program (Seasonal)
• Bible Study Classes
• Chaplain Services
• Church Services
• Commissary
• Community Resource Information
• Contracted Drug and Alcohol In-Patient Treatment Program
• Educational Opportunity Center Seminars
• General Education Development Classes
• Greeting Card Program
• Library Services
• Law Library
• Life Skills and Life Issues Classes
• Minister and Clergy Visits
• Narcotics Anonymous
• P.A.L.S. (12 Step Program For Christian Faith)
• Project Dads
• Recovery and Prevention Center Seminars
• Victim Impact Panels (MADD)
• Visitation with Family and Friends
• Work Programs
• Barber Shop
• Inmate Wedding Services
• Exercise opportunities at the facility gymnasium

The programs offered are provided through the use of community volunteers. Volunteers are provided orientation and training to allow them to function effectively and safely in the corrections environment. Use of volunteers in programming allows inmates and residents to develop positive contacts with non-corrections community resources, enhancing their reintegration to the community.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer at the Adult or Juvenile Detention Center, you may contact the Programs Division Manager.