In addition to the previously mentioned transition program for youthful offenders, the Arizona Department of Corrections has partnered with Rio Salado College to provide other transition opportunities for incarcerated women in the local state facilities.

Strengthening Families Program

Women in Recovery, a twelve-month program designed to treat women who suffer from substance addictions includes a family reintegration component that facilitates family interaction in a lab setting for both families and students, taught by Rio Salado College instructors. The students prepare for their reunion with family prior to each lab by participating in weekly classes that teach the skills they will practice when meeting with family members.

Girl Scouts Beyond Bars

The Arizona Cactus Pine Girl Scout Council, the Arizona Department of Corrections and Rio Salado College have collaborated to offer Girl Scouts Beyond Bars for incarcerated mothers. The program allows girls, ages 5 to 13, to spend time with their moms and become part of a community girl scout troop. The daughters participate in age appropriate activities and growth opportunities, while the mothers continue to increase their knowledge of crucial parenting skills and apply those skills during regular meetings with their daughters.

Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

Our most recent partnership involves a collaborative effort with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections for young female offenders. Rio Salado College provides a Culinary Arts program at Black Canyon School (BCS), an all girls detention facility. The Culinary Arts program is patterned after the very successful program currently in operation at Perryville, and includes a café to allow skill application.