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.