ABOUT AVON PARK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
Avon Park Correctional Institution, located in Avon Park, Fla., is a facility that accommodates up to 956 adult male inmates. The institution offers various programs and services, including substance abuse treatment programs such as an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Readiness Group Program, and an Alumni Program.
Established in 1957 for minimum to medium security inmates, the facility began accepting close custody prisoners in 1977.
TREATMENT & ASSESSMENT
Upon arrival, all inmates are screened for substance use. Those identified as needing substance abuse services become Mandated Program Participants (MPPs) and are placed on the department’s Statewide Automated Priority List for placement into a substance abuse program. However, there may be a waiting list for enrollment.
Treatment services are coordinated and delivered by the Bureau of Substance Abuse Program Services. The primary goal of the treatment program is to identify substance abusers, assess the severity of their addiction, and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
The duration of the IOP services varies depending on individual needs. Typically, inmates participate in the program for up to four months, with a maximum stay of six months. Throughout the program, participants must complete at least 12 counselor-supervised hours of program activities for a minimum of four days per week.
The Readiness Group Program assists inmates who are contemplating sobriety. The hands-on groups cover topics such as denial, addiction, recovery principles, program motivation, self-help, mutual help ideas, and other substance abuse education. Attendance is voluntary, and classes are usually held once per week. Inmates ready for treatment can be directly transferred to the IOP when space becomes available.
Alumni Groups are held on a weekly basis for inmates who have completed the IOP. Attendance at these meetings is a requirement for alumni as long as the groups are offered at the facility. While peers often lead these groups, a counselor may be present for support.
STAFF CREDENTIALS
The treatment team consists of substance abuse counselors. Additionally, the correctional facility employs a total of 315 staff members, as stated on their website.
ACCOMMODATIONS & AMENITIES
Treatment takes place within the correctional facility, which has open bay housing units, cell housing units, and room housing units that can accommodate up to 956 inmates.
REVIEWS
An anonymous staff member polled by Best-rehabs.com provided a positive review of the facility. They rated treatment effectiveness, accommodations & amenities, and meals & nutrition with five out of five stars each. The staff member acknowledged that family and loved ones couldn’t participate in the facility’s treatment programming due to the prison setting. However, they agreed that the facility was adequately equipped and staffed to address co-occurring mental health issues alongside substance use disorders. The staff member also praised the quality of the program offered to inmates before their release. They highlighted the lack of sufficient space in the program to help all inmates in need as a weakness. The staff member concluded, “All Prisons should offer this rehab before release as most crimes occur due to drug addiction.”
No additional reviews from alumni of the facility are currently available.
FINANCING
There is no cost for treatment at the facility, as it operates within a correctional institution.