ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO.: 13-28 IN RE: CRIMINAL - “THINKING FOR A CHANGE” PROGRAM IN LIEU OF PERFORMING COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR A FELONY SENTENCE - ORDERED 6/24/2013 BY ALAN A. DICKEY
The Department of Corrections is utilizing a Reentry Program entitled Thinking for a Change which program was developed by the National Institute of Corrections. This free program is designed to assist offenders by combining cognitive restructuring theory with cognitive skills theory to create an innovative and integrated curriculum designed to help individuals in the Criminal Justice System take control of their lives by taking control of their thinking. In the corrections field the targeted behavior is a reduction in reoffending, and cognitive behavioral interventions have been found to be an evidence-based practice for achieving this goal. The Department of Corrections is desirous of expanding this program to those individuals who are ordered to perform community service hours as part of a felony sentence.
Now, Therefore, pursuant to the authority conferred by Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.215, it is Ordered as follows;
1. An offender ordered to perform community service hours may choose to participate in the “Thinking for a Change” program in lieu of performing community service hours. The offender shall be credited with an hour of community service for each hour the offender attended the “Thinking for a Change” program.
2. Individuals who have been sentenced to community service as part of a felony case are eligible.
3. The Department of Corrections Court Officer shall notify the Court upon the offender completing the program.
Done and Ordered this 24th day of June 2013.