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| First Latino group graduates from Mass. Sheriff’s program |
| By Jim Montalto, News Editor |
| Published: 12/26/2007 |
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MASSACHUSETTS - The Suffolk County, Massachusetts Sheriff's Department recently celebrated the success of its Latino Recovery program, a six-week course for inmates dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. The program’s uniqueness is due in part by a special component that was specifically created for the Spanish-speaking population. "This is a long overlooked population that is now getting the services they've needed," said John Dolan, SCSD Supervisor of Men's Treatment Programs. "We still emphasize principals of recovery, but now, we can better serve them by communicating more effectively.” According to SCSD clinical caseworker, Fernando Bossa, many of the recovery unit facilitators were “Irish white guys like me,” making communication with offenders “a problem because some of the men in the unit only spoke Spanish or very little English.” In response, the SCSD added instruction and counseling sessions that are given in Spanish to the traditional principals of recovery used in the Department's other programs. In a recent graduation ceremony, program participants participated in poetry, art, and singing, and were presented certificates of completion. Members of the first program, which began in October, also spoke about the benefits of the program enhancements. The next class began December 14, with a roster of 20 participants. "Word has spread about the things that we're doing here. People who were shy or reluctant to get involved now feel more secure and good about themselves since joining the group. Many of them have become inspired and truly believe that they have begun to take the first steps in what will be the beginning of a new start in their lives," Bossa said. |
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