Violence Reduction Program Aftercare Group Session Services.

2.3 Violence Reduction Program (VRP) Background (a) The Violence Reduction Program (VRP) is a programmatic intervention that blends best practices from the literature - such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mentoring - into a three-phase treatment intervention for men, aged 18-35 with histories of violent, weapons, and/or drug distribution convictions. The goal of the Violence Reduction Program is to help offenders: - Develop non-violent approaches to conflict resolution. - Increase problem-solving skills. - Adopt communication styles that improve social skills. - Establish an alternative peer network by promoting pro-social supports and accountability networks. - Learn and apply skills to regulate anxiety. (b) Each year, CSOSA organizes up to eight cohorts of approximately 15-25 offenders to participate in Violence Reduction Program Groups. Offenders are referred to VRP cohorts based on their residence in or near four Washington, DC neighborhoods: Columbia Heights, Marshall Heights, Congress Heights, and a fourth area to be named in FY 2007. Phase I: Assessment and Treatment Readiness (6 weeks) - Offenders receive comprehensive psychological and educational assessments to determine program suitability. - Offenders attend weekly treatment readiness sessions that introduce them to the cognitive-behavioral intervention model. Phase II: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (12 weeks) - Offenders participate in cognitive behavioral therapy (Controlling Anger & Learning to Manage It - CALM). - CALM is a 24-session group training program intended to reduce anger, violence, and emotional loss of control in males with a history of these challenges. - CALM employs psycho-educational instruction, role-plays, discussions, practical exercises, and homework assignments to convey new knowledge and skills to participants. Phase III: Aftercare and Community Reintegration - Offenders must participate in up to six (6) weekly aftercare groups per cohort. - Offenders may choose to continue to participate in up to twelve (12) VRP alumni groups. - - Community Life Coaches volunteer to guide offenders as they navigate their neighborhoods, while reinforcing use of relaxation and stress management techniques and cognitive skills acquired during CALM. - Offenders continue to learn and practice valuable stress reduction and relaxation techniques. - Offenders complete community service projects to repair the harm caused by crime.