LANSING – Governor Laura Kelly joined Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) leaders on Friday to celebrate the opening of the state’s first substance use recovery/work release unit within Kansas prisons. The East Campus at Lansing is a 200-bed minimum-security unit providing a comprehensive re-entry program. It is aimed at breaking the cycle of addiction through cognitive behavioral instruction while preparing residents to re-enter society with work goals and life skills.
“Effective rehabilitation and recovery services are key to breaking the cycle of addiction and crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This campus customizes residents’ re-entry programming based on their risks and needs to provide a smooth transition as they return back into society.”
East Campus at Lansing is designed to go beyond the traditional 28-day substance use program, providing residents with at least six months of classes that teach and promote pro-social behavior and work up to 300 hours of advanced practice sessions to develop cognitive behavior and positive habits.
Secretary of Corrections Jeff Zmuda says the campus design will facilitate the department’s goal of preparing residents for re-entry.
“The relatively small population here will allow us to customize residents’ re-entry programming based on their skills and needs while facilitating a Pathway for Success for our residents through purposeful, individualized programming,” Secretary of Corrections Zmuda said.
Pathway for Success is the KDOC’s strategic plan, providing residents with opportunities to be successful upon re-entry into their communities.
Along with classes for substance recovery, the residents will participate in classes to develop and foster better family relationships, as well as parenting classes for fathers. Residents will also participate in additional programs, support groups, and activities led by residents or volunteers. They can also be part of the work release or private industry programs and can meet with various parts of the re-entry team to create solid, sustainable release plans and goals.
East Campus at Lansing is also unique because of its living arrangements, which are considered more open compared to traditional prison environments and instead promote an environment of recovery and learning.
To be eligible for this program, a resident must be at a minimum custody level, have less than five years remaining to serve out his time, not managed as a sex offender, have moderate or high risk in substance use, a strong desire to overcome his addiction, and a willingness to participate in programming or work as assigned.
The first residents to occupy the East Campus at Lansing are expected to arrive the week of Oct. 28, 2024.
