Offenders Graduate From CMS Class At DeBerry

NASHVILLE - On Friday, August 28, 2015, twelve offenders graduated from the Career Management for Success (CMS) program at Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility. 

CMS is an intensive, 12-week program designed to give offenders the career, social and behavior skills they need when they reenter society.  The Tennessee Department of Correction offers CMS in prisons across the state.  The curriculum involves three different areas of focus: Career Management, Victim Impact and Thinking for a Change.  The course stresses that each and every crime has a victim and focuses on the consequences of criminal activity for the offenders, the victims, their families and society as a whole.  The program also teaches techniques for conflict and crisis management in a variety of situations.  Employment is another key element in the curriculum. Offenders are taught how to write resumes and cover letters, fill out applications, basic computer skills, and how to manage a bank account.  Mock job interviews are held for practice, along with discussions about appropriate workplace attire, manners and even how to give a good handshake.

Most of the offenders in today’s graduating class will be released from prison within the next 6 months.  Statistically, more than 95% of incarcerated offenders in Tennessee will be released back into society at some point.

Preparing offenders for reentry using evidence-based programs is just one way the Tennessee Department of Correction carries out its non-negotiable mission of ensuring and enhancing public safety.