WEC population 100 for first time

The offender population at the Work Ethic Camp hit its designed capacity of 100 Wednesday on its way to 130, according to Nebraska Department of Correctional Services officials.

Although the population briefly spiked at 100 earlier, this is the first time it has remained above 100 since the facility opened in 2001, according to Kyle Clapp, WEC public information officer.

NDCS staff expects the population to grow to the capacity of 130 by the end of the year with probation offenders and inmates who are pending parole.

Inmates from the Nebraska Department of Corrections make up one-third of the population.

The original capacity of WEC was 100 probation offenders, who completed a four- to six-month program. At that time, the drug and alcohol treatment level was classified as intensive outpatient. Now, the program is five to six months to accommodate the higher requirements of the short-term residential treatment level.

Offenders participating in the Work Ethic Camp program follow an individualized treatment plan, developed to address the offender's demonstrated criminogenic needs. Major areas addressed include criminal history, education, employment, family, marital, companions, alcohol, drug problem, pro-criminal attitude, orientation and antisocial pattern.

The staff uses evidence-based practices to offer the most effective programming possible. While at the facility, offenders are offered courses in GED, parenting, victim awareness, cognitive restructuring and employment skills, in addition to drug and alcohol treatment. Offenders are also assigned to work individually with treatment staff to identify and address core personal issues.

Upon completion of the Work Ethic Camp program, offenders are returned to their respective communities under the supervision of probation or parole officers. WEC staff works with others in the community to assist the offenders with continuing drug or alcohol treatment, education, securing employment, and other conditions of community release.