In 2022, the Maine Department of Corrections launched a transformative approach to corrections, emphasizing rehabilitation, mutual respect, human dignity, and community reintegration. Known as the Maine Model of Corrections, this philosophy focuses on humanizing the correctional experience, fostering collaboration between staff and residents, and preparing individuals for successful reentry into society.
Core Principles
- Normalization: Normalization seeks to make life inside the facility more feel like a community, helping Residents develop skills for reintegration. We recognize there is no “normal,” and many Residents have had limited exposure to typical life experiences. Incentivized opportunities provide hope, motivation, prosocial behavior reinforcement, and personal growth, fostering a positive community culture.
- Humanization: Prioritizing dignity and respect. Staff and residents/clients collaborate to model problem-solving and healthy interactions, emphasizing community over punishment.
- Destigmatization: The Maine Model seeks to destigmatize incarceration by using person-first language and promoting a non-adversarial environment. MDOC is committed to reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our residents and staff, ensuring that all individuals are treated with fairness and respect regardless of their needs and background.
Key Initiatives
- Revised Mission and Vision: With staff input, MDOC developed new guiding statements that align with the principles of the Maine Model, focusing on rehabilitation and community safety.
- Mission: Making our communities safer by reducing harm through supportive intervention, empowering change and restoring lives.
- Values: Accountability, Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork.
- Enhanced Staff Training and Recruitment: Training programs are designed to reflect the model's principles, ensuring that staff are equipped to support residents effectively. The model also shapes our employer brand, helping us attract quality candidates aligned with our mission and values.
- Facility Reforms: Living spaces have been reimagined to create environments that support rehabilitation and personal growth.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Improved data practices enable better outcomes by informing policies and program development.
- Community Partnerships: Collaborations with victim service organizations and community partners strengthen community transition practices and enhance public safety.
Evidence-Based Programming and Treatment
MDOC offers a range of programs grounded in evidence-based practices to address the diverse needs of residents:
- Mental Health Services: Trauma-informed and gender-responsive behavioral health services are available to all residents through partnerships with providers like Wellpath.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MDOC provides universal access to MAT for residents with opioid use disorder, aiming to reduce opioid-related mortality and support recovery.
- Faith-Based Initiatives: Programs like PRIMO (Prison-Based Interventions for Muslim Offenders) offer culturally and religiously tailored rehabilitation.
- Sex Offender Treatment: Intensive, evidence-based treatment is provided to address the specific needs of persons with problematic sexual behavior, including relapse prevention and aftercare planning.
Community Reintegration and Reentry
Programs and facilities like Leading the Way, Waypoint, the Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center, Bolduc Correctional Facility, and Downeast Correctional Facility are designed to support residents' transition back into society. They offer such opportunities as educational programs, vocational training, and wellness activities, fostering a supportive environment for reintegration.