In 1996, in order to enhance Intermediate Punishment programming, the Department adopted a Restorative Justice philosophy, the basis of which was to develop competencies and accountability in the offenders under supervision. Efforts at improving established programming and developing new services continued in 1998. In 1994, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded the Department a grant to develop and implement literacy programming for needy offenders. This project continued for the fifth year in 1998. Clients are provided testing, referral, and educational instruction and advance at their own pace with instructor guidance and motivation.
Instruction takes place in an on-site computer lab and the classroom.
Life skills, pre-GED and GED level instruction is based on client testing. This project is Court-operated, supervised and administered by the department to deal with Driving Under the Influence offenders. The Department continued in its efforts to alert the public to the dangers of drinking and driving through presentations at local community organizations, agencies and schools. This included lectures, displays and distribution of information. The Department also coordinated efforts with area student organizations providing information to their fellow students.