THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY

MODALITY PROGRAM
By: The BJMP

Olesco Kyla B.
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 self-
control 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
 Thank you

Any questions?