Educational Training
Adult Education/HiSET
This program will assist you in obtaining your HiSET. Testing is conducted within the institution. Participation within this program requires regular attendance. Students are provided with an opportunity to participate in the HiSET test based on student assessment.
Title One
Title I provides financial assistance to educational programs for youth in State-operated institutions and to support school districts' programs involving collaboration with locally operated state agencies.
Within the Essex County Sheriff’s Department the goals of the program are to:
- Ensure that youth who are residing within our facility are provided with the opportunity and educational services needed to make a successful transition from institutions to schools and/or employment and to meet the same challenging State academic standards that all youth are expected to meet.
Prevent youth who are at risk of academic failure from dropping out of school or youth who have dropped out of school, or who are returning to school after residing in an institution, with a support system to ensure their continued education.
Special Education Services
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) provides special education services to eligible students who possess Individualized Education Plans. Students receive educational instruction and supports necessary to achieve identified goals. Special Education In Institutional Settings (SEIS) coordinates required communication and testing with identified student school districts. During participation, students will be eligible to participate in HiSET testing or completion of High School Diploma.
English for Speakers of Other Languages ESOL
English for Speakers of Other Languages is a three level developmental program for adults with limited or non-existent English language skills. The program has five strands: listening, speaking, reading, writing and number skills. The major goal of the program is to mainstream non-English speakers into academic or vocational programs, and enhance their language skills for re-entry into the community and workplace.
Computer Literacy
Program is designed for post GED students who wish to gain a basic understanding of personal computer applications and operations. Programming involves instruction with Microsoft Word, Power Point, Access, Excel, Key Boarding and Graphic design.
Wellness Program
Program is designed to education inmate population on issues centered on transmission of Hepatitis, AIDS/HIV and STD’s. Program addresses other issues involving hygiene and behaviors that reduce risk to individual health.
Parenting
This class helps to understand behaviors passed down from parents to children. Students learn ways to be a more positive role model in their child’s life. Patience, goal setting, values, positive discipline, expectations and boundaries are some of the many topics discussed in the class.
- Increase their knowledge about children and parenting
- Learn effective problem-solving skills
Religious Service and Outreach
The chaplaincy department at the Essex County Correctional Facility seeks to meet the spiritual and religious needs of the 1200 plus inmates housed within our facilities who represent numerous faith traditions. Hired clergy from the Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim religions serve their respective congregations on a weekly basis, in addition to offering faith formation to new inquiries. Moreover, a large number of volunteers from various faiths including but not limited to Christian Science, American Baptist, Jehovah’s Witness, and United Methodism minister directly to inmates and their concomitant spiritualties. In the few cases where the availability of religious leaders from a particular faith is lacking, the interfaith coordinator provides time, space, and written material for such inmates to express their religious freedoms. Besides honoring the specific rituals and practices of many religions, interfaith activities that foster greater religious diversity and tolerance are implemented regularly.