The Shasta County Day Reporting Center in Redding, California recently hosted a spring transition ceremony over Zoom to honor probationers who successfully completed the center’s evidence-based reentry program.
For graduates, the recent virtual celebration follows months of regular reporting to the Shasta County DRC, a non-residential reentry center operated by GEO Reentry Services on behalf of the Shasta County Probation Department. During their time there, program participants receive cognitive behavioral treatment and training and are monitored for substance abuse.
Typically, the DRC hosts graduation ceremonies in-person at the center and invite staff, family members, community partner agencies, Shasta County officials and probation officers, while graduates receive official certificates of completion and share their experiences in the program.
But this year, the ceremony format mirrored participants’ DRC classes, which are currently being conducted virtually due to pandemic restrictions. The format change also prompted center staff to use their powers of creativity to make the graduation both fun and serious.
Conducting graduation events remains as important as ever for GEO Reentry reporting centers, since for participants, being recognized for their accomplishments continues to serve as a motivator for success once they leave the center.
The Shasta County DRC serves up to 150 probationers at a time, providing a structured combination of evidence-based practices, training, case management and community connections. The program also requires daily reporting to ensure participant accountability and offers groups, treatment and classes that focus on helping participants find employment or enroll in school full-time.