Course Project
Course Project: Rough Draft Assignment
Alden Wooten
Liberty University
CJUS 320
Dr. Gage
February 23, 2026
Facility Overview
Name: Riverside Correctional Center
Location: Sacramento, California
Security Level: Medium
Anticipated Size: 500 inmates
Design: Modern buildings with secure housing units and program areas
Riverside Correctional Center will sit in Sacramento to serve the local area. As a medium security site, it focuses on safety while allowing some movement for programs. It plans to hold up to 500 people. The setup includes safe living spaces and spots for learning. More details on the full layout come later in the final project. This overview sets the stage for staffing, programs, and costs.
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Staffing Categories
Correctional Officers: Handle daily security and inmate supervision
Administrative Staff: Manage records, budgets, and operations
Medical Staff: Provide health care and mental health support
Program Staff: Lead education and counseling sessions
Support Staff: Maintain buildings, food services, and supplies
Staffing plays a key role in running the center smoothly. Correctional officers ensure order and respond to needs around the clock (Department of Correctional Services, n.d.). Administrative workers keep things organized behind the scenes. Medical teams address health issues to keep everyone well. Program leaders guide learning and growth activities. Support roles cover upkeep and meals. Together, these groups create a balanced team.
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Available Programs – Education and Skills
Education: GED classes and basic literacy training
Vocational Training: Job skills like welding and computer basics
Life Skills Workshops: Sessions on budgeting and job search
Programs help inmates build a better future (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2017). Education offers chances to earn a GED or improve reading. Vocational classes teach practical trades for work after release. Life skills focus on everyday tasks like managing money. These options aim to lower return rates to prison. Staff will tailor them to individual needs.
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Available Programs – Health and Support
Substance Abuse Treatment: Group counseling and recovery plans
Mental Health Counseling: Therapy sessions for emotional well-being
Reentry Support: Planning for housing and job placement post-release
Health programs tackle common challenges. Substance abuse treatment uses group talks to build coping skills. Mental health services provide one-on-one help for stress or trauma (Thekkumkara et al., 2022). Reentry aid connects people to community resources. Each program encourages positive changes. Inmates join based on assessments. This mix fosters hope and reduces risks.
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Budget Approximation
Total Annual Operating Budget: About $20 million
Breakdown:
Staffing: $12 million
Programs and Services: $3 million
Maintenance and Supplies: $3 million
Health Care: $2 million
Based on average costs per inmate of $40,000
The budget covers all key areas for smooth operations. At $20 million yearly, it aligns with typical costs for similar sites. Staffing takes the largest share due to round-the-clock needs. Programs get funding to support change. On the other hand, maintenance ensures safe spaces. Health costs address inmate well-being. This estimate uses national averages. Adjustments may happen as plans firm up.
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References
Department of Correctional Services. (n.d.). Correctional Officers. https://www.corrections.sa.gov.au/careers/Working-with-prisoners-and-offenders/correctional-officers
Thekkumkara, S. N., Jagannathan, A., Muliyala, K. P., & Murthy, P. (2022). Psychosocial interventions for prisoners with mental and substance use disorders: A systematic review. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 44(3), 211-217. https://doi.org/10.1177/02537176211061655
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2017). Roadmap for the development of prison-based rehabilitation programmes (Criminal Justice Handbook Series). United Nations. https://www.unodc.org/documents/justice-and-prison-reform/17-05452_ebook.pdf