CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION
The mandate of the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP) is both safekeeping and development of
inmates. The thrust of the Directorate for Inmates Welfare and
Development is to devise programs for inmate development to
prepare them for their eventual reintegration into the
mainstream of society. Behavioral and psychological
development is of utmost importance since some offenders
lack the necessary moral, emotional and psychological stability
to make them law abiding citizens upon release from jail.

The Therapeutic Community Modality Program (TCMP)

is a self-help social learning treatment model which utilizes the
community as the primary therapeutic vehicle to foster
behavioral and attitudinal change. In this modality, the person
learns and practices skills and responsibilities through
structured activities that they can transfer to the society upon
their release. Each participant is expected to be a contributing
member of the community and develops the impetus to
change by being a member of the community.

At present, TCMP is recognized as the backbone

program of the BJMP for inmate development and is being
implemented in majority of the jails nationwide. The program
was inconsistently implemented as it wavered due to varied
reasons. Despite the training of numerous jail personnel, the
practice of TCMP remained far from being ideal. A lot of
modifications and deviations were introduced that some
programs lost their fidelity to the core essence of TCMP. It is
for this reason that this official BJMP TCMP Manual was
crafted to serve as reference and guide to TCMP practitioners
to attain uniformity in the practice of the program. BJMP
personnel, as well as inmates, should be well versed with the
contents of the manual as these are necessary to attain
therapeutic goals.

TCMP IN THE BJMP: BACKGROUND

In the BJMP, Therapeutic Community Modality

Program (TCMP) was introduced in 1998 when a group
of personnel underwent a six (6) week live-in trainer’s
training under the DAYTOP International trainers
sponsored by the US State Department. From then on, a
number of BJMP personnel were trained by DAYTOP
trainers, namely Aloysius Joseph, Frederick Loke, Jimmy
Curtin and Fernando Perfas. The program was initially
implemented in selected jails in the National Capital
Region (NCR). The TCMP training was cascaded to a
significant number of BJMP personnel. The Jail National
Training Institute (JNTI) likewise incorporated the TCMP
into its Program of Instruction (POI) for BJMP personnel
undergoing mandatory trainings. Despite the significant
number of trainer’s training conducted, sustaining the
TCMP in jails remained a challenge. There is also the
prevailing issue of development versus security. The
wardens were adamant to implement the program for
fear of security laxity due to the increased mobility of
inmates during activities. The low ratio of jail personnel
to inmates has caused such alarm. Despite these factors,
some jails continue to implement the TCMP but activities
are mostly centered on the Morning Meeting. The TC
staffs are regularly rotated to other jails as part of the
BJMP rules thus leaving a vacuum on the respective jails
if not properly relieved by another TC trained staff. This
lack of constancy and consistency makes it difficult for
the program to thrive. Despite their TC training, TC staff
generally feels inept to handle the program. On
assessment of the existing TCMP in certain jails, some
modifications were introduced which tend to deviate
from the core essence of the program, hence this TCMP
manual has been crafted.

Due to the large number of jails nationwide and

the huge budgetary requirement needed to train all the
prospective TC staff, the DIWD came up with a program
decentralizing the training activities to minimize
manpower and resources. Every region was required to
identify and establish a regional model TC jail which will
be developed by a regional core group of TC trainers.
The regional model TC jail will then serve as a training
center for prospective TC staff for the respective regions.
This is an effective way of reaching even the rural jails to
implement TCMP on a national scale. In November 2012,
the BJMP National TC Technical Working Group initiated
the crafting of the BJMP TCMP Operational Manual
which will serve as reference for a standard and uniform
TC implementation and training of personnel and
inmates.
OBJECTIVES:

1. To introduce and institutionalize TCMP as the backbone

program of the BJMP for inmate development
2. To provide the jail TCMP implementers with a manual that
will serve as a guide in the proper implementation of the
program
3. To attain uniformity and standardization in the
implementation of TCMP and ensure its fidelity to the core
essence of the program

.
TCMP CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The Therapeutic Community Modality Program and the Four
Interconnected Development Aspects: Behavior Management;
Emotional and Psychological; Intellectual and Spiritual; and
Vocational and Survival Skills.
The Therapeutic Community Modality Program is adopted by
the bureau in attaining one of its mandates, the “Development
of Inmates” however there are issues and concerns attributed
to the program implementation that needs to be addressed to
ensure its effectiveness. The TCMP believes that a person
needs to have a strong sense of personal and social
responsibility in order to live a fully functional healthy lifestyle.

The conceptual paradigm of the study elaborates the four

development aspects of TCMP, these are: behavior
management, emotional and psychological, intellectual and
spiritual, and vocational and survival skills, showing special
areas of concern in the individual’s personality. Each
component has very discrete sets of activities, methodologies
and philosophies and underlying theories that help promote
change in the members of the community and the use of various
behavior shaping tools are interconnected/interrelated with one
another.
TC PHILOSOPHY

I am here because there is no refuge finally,

from myself. Until I confront myself in the eyes

and hearts of others, I am running.

 Until I suffer them to share

my secrets, I have no safety

from them.

Afraid to be known,

I can know neither myself

nor any other, I will be alone.

Where else but in our common ground can I see such a

mirror?

Here, together, I can at last appear clearly to myself,

not as the giant of my dreams nor the dwarf of my

fears, but as a person, part of the whole, with my

share in its purpose.

In this ground, I can take root and grow, not alone

anymore, as in death but alive to myself and to

others.
 LAYUNIN

(TC Philosophy in Tagalog)

AKO’Y NARIRITO SAPAGKAT

HINDI KO NA

MATATAKASAN

ANG AKING

SARILI.

HANGGANG HINDI AKO NAGIGING MATAPAT

SA PAGPUNA SA AKING SARILI

SA MATA AT PUSO NG IBA, AKO’Y

TUMATAKBO.

HANGGANG HINDI KO INILALAHAD

ANG LABI NG AKING

MGA LIHIM, AKO’Y

WALANG KAPAYAPAAN.

SA MALAKING TAKOT NA SARILI’Y

MABUNYAG, HINDI KO

MAUUNAWAAN ANG AKING

SARILI AT PAGKATAO NG IBA.

SA DILIM MANANATILING NAG-IISA.

SAAN PA KUNDI SA PILING NG KATULAD KO

MAKIKITA ANG TUNAY NA SALAMIN.

SAMA-SAMA DITO SA WAKAS,

MATATANGGAP KO ANG TUNAY AT SARILING

PAGKATAO. DI ANG BALIW NG AKING

PANGARAP O ANG ALIPIN NG AKING TAKOT.

 SA HALIP BILANG ISANG TAO SAKOP NG

SANLIBUTAN AT MAY BAHAGI SA LAYUNING

ITO.

SA LUPANG ITO AKO AY MAKAPAG-UUGAT AT SUSUPLING.

DI NA AKO MULING MAG-IISA TULAD SA

KAMATAYAN. SA HALIP AY MAY ALAB ANG

BUHAY SA SARILI AT KAPWA.

CARDINAL RULES IN TC

*No sex or sexual acting out

*No drugs/ Alcohol

*No violence or threat of violence

*No stealing

HOUSE RULES: Examples

• No destruction of jail property

• Respect staff and status
• Follow directions without feedback
• No cigarette smoking
• No contraband
• No gambling
• Be on time in all activities
• Lights off at 10:00 PM
• No talking/laughing after lights off
• Maintain good grooming and hygiene
• No vandalism
• Be courteous to people
• Use the chain of command
 • No talking/laughing during the Morning meeting
and other activities
• No lending or borrowing without permission
Respect other people’s property

PHASES OF TREATMENT

TCMP in the BJMP set up is quite unique in the sense that

inmates are in custody while undergoing trial for their
individual cases. Their length of stay is determined by how fast
is the disposition of their cases. The cases may be decided
upon after a short period of time or may last for years. Though
the different phases of treatment is observed, it cannot be
fully implemented or may not be followed as scheduled due to
the uniqueness of the status of the residents.

Phase I- Entry/Orientation Phase

Once an inmate is committed to jail, he undergoes a series of

examination to determine his physical, social and psychological
status. Upon his commitment, a resident is placed on
orientation at the Reception and Diagnostic room/ Orientation
Room. In here, he is acquainted with the TC program:

- The rules and norms of the community

- TC concepts, written and unwritten philosophy
- The staff and the members of the community
- The tools of the house
- Job functions and TC hierarchy

He is then assigned a static group and a big brother who will

provide him with support and will walk him through the
 orientation phase. At this phase, the resident is handled gently
and is expected to commit mistakes in the process of learning
the program. Sanctions on negative behavior are usually light
with emphasis on teaching.

Phase II- Primary Treatment

After proper orientation on the different TC concepts and

tools, the norms and rules of the community and the staff
members, the resident is now ready to undergo the treatment
proper. He becomes a part of the community starting as a crew
member of the Housekeeping department until he gradually
ascends in the hierarchy. He must be knowledgeable on the
following:

• Proper use of the different tools to address personal issues

and concerns and shape behavior
• Managing own feelings and learning how to express self
appropriately
• Learning how to follow the rules and norms of the
community
• Maximize participation in activities that are appropriate to
the resident’s need for growth
• Learning how to trust the environment by disclosing self to
the community and develop insight in the process
 • Developing positive coping skills to deal with difficult life
situations
• Enhancing educational and vocational skills to make him
productive
• Improve social skills and recognize the importance of other
people’s help in shaping behavior

Phase III- Pre Re-entry

Under regular circumstances, the resident is expected at this

stage to have internalized the TC values and concept to start
life afresh. However, in the jail setting where entry and release
are not within the jail control, residents may not have reached
this phase of treatment before they even leave the jail facility.
Regardless of the resident’s length of stay, he is expected to
undergo this phase prior to release into society. At this phase,
the resident is expected to have proven his ability to take on
more responsibility hence needs lesser supervision. He is
considered a role model in the TC community. He should focus
on the following learning:

• Rebuilding of social and family ties

• Going up the ladder of hierarchy by showing leadership
• Realization of his full potential to be a productive member of
society
• Mapping out of plans

Phase IV- Re-entry

In the ideal setting, a resident at this stage is now ready to be

released back to society as he has demonstrated adequate
selfcontrol and discipline. The inmate is now preparing for his
life outside of jail and is focused on making himself a
productive citizen. He may start planning for job hunting and
rebuilding family ties and relationships.

In the jail setting, the residents will stay inside the jail until
their cases are resolved or they have been convicted and
need to be remanded to the Bureau of Corrections.

The resident must focus on the following:

• Transition to life outside of jail.

• Creating a new lifestyle applying the tools and concept of TC.
• Learning positive coping skills to deal with day to day
situations.
• Re-establishing and strengthening family ties and support
group.
• Reintegration into the mainstream of society.
• Developing realistic and attainable goals in life.

Phase IV- Aftercare

Aftercare is an outpatient program that requires clients to

report twice a week to an outreach center. They are required
to attend group sessions to ensure their adjustment to life
outside jail to reduce recidivism. For clients released from jail,
they are referred to the Parole and Probation Administration
and Local Government Units for follow up and aftercare. The
clients are focused on the following:

• Maintaining positive behavior and prevent recidivism

• Strengthening coping mechanism
• Maintaining relationships and support mechanism
• Sustaining interest in job or vocation to maintain livelihood
 • Integration into society

STANDARD PARAMETERS FOR JAIL TCMP

A. Physical Environment :
• The internal and external environment is comfortable,
clean and welcoming.
• TC Philosophy and unwritten philosophies are visibly
posted around the facility.
• Hierarchical structure and daily activities are
displayed.
• There is adequate space to hold activities and rooms
for specific meetings that require privacy.
• A clean and well maintained kitchen that complies
with the sanitary standards of BJMP.
• Provision of recreation areas both indoors and
outdoors.
• The dining area is equipped with enough tables and
chairs to accommodate the inmates.
• Adequate sanitary toilets and bathrooms that provide
privacy to users.
• Adequate space for sleeping and habitation that
respects the individual’s personal space.

B. TCMP Staff:

• The TCMP staff has undergone proper training on

TCMP
• Presence of a permanent TCMP staff to supervise the
program and conduct the various activities
 • The TCMP staff will not be transferred to other jails
until properly covered by another TC trained staff
• There is proper shift turn-over of TC trained staff on a
daily basis
• TCMP staff can be utilized to handle other tasks but
putspriority to TCMP
• Regular meetings are held by staff to discuss progress,
issues and concerns about the program
• All the jail staff are involved in the TCMP and are
contributing members
• The staff works as a team in delivering services to
inmates
• The staff serves as role models and treats inmates
with respect and dignity
• Incentives are given to TCMP staff in terms of awards
and commendations

C. The Therapeutic Environment -The Inmates/ Residents:

• The residents treat each other with respect at all times

regardless of age, religion, cultural diversity, etc.
• The residents practice a culture of honesty and
openness in discussing thoughts and feelings,
providing and receiving feedbacks
• Confidentiality is respected and practiced
• The residents are involved in decision making and
planning in TCMP activities
• The participants of TCMP are change agents in
bringing about transformation among peers
• The residents comply with the cardinal and house
rules and serve as “watchdogs” for their peers with
the aim of correcting erring members
 • Absence or minimal incidence of jail
violence/disturbance
The residents respect the hierarchy and chain of command