Thirty Graduate from Thinking for a Change

Nashville, Tennessee --- Thirty probationers and parolees under supervision of the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole are being recognized for completing the cognitive behavior program, Thinking for a Change. Each graduate has completed 22 classes in order to be eligible for graduation.

 

Board Chairman Charles Traughber said, “BOPP works to protect the public and prevent crime. Thinking for a Change has been successful in helping people develop stronger life skills, and in teaching them to use better reasoning when making critical decisions. People with these skills are less likely to commit crimes. This program and other evidence-based programs used by BOPP are directing many offenders to lead law-abiding lives.”

Thinking for a Change is a behavior change course for offenders that includes cognitive restructuring, social skills development and development of problem-solving skills. The goal is to equip students with the skills needed to make better choices.

 

In the past year, approximately 90 probationers and parolees have completed the program in Davidson County. More than 440 persons under BOPP supervision have graduated from it statewide.

 

Other evidence-based programs being used by the Board of Probation and Parole include Victim Impact, Courage to Change (a domestic violence prevention program), job readiness training for offenders, a gender specific program for female offenders and treatment services for persons with substance abuse victims.

 

The Board of Probation and Parole ( www.tn.gov/bopp/ ) is an independent seven-member board whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board is charged with the responsibility of deciding which eligible felony offenders will be granted parole and released from incarceration to community-based supervision. Along with the supervision of those granted parole, the Board is also responsible for supervising felony offenders placed on probation by criminal courts.