NDOC: Programs Division

In 2003, the Nevada Legislature approved a reorganization of existing positions from several NDOC divisions to form our department’s first Correctional Programs Division. The Correctional Programs Division has staff in every institution, facility and camp and is responsible for implementing the rehabilitative strategy set by the Director of Corrections, creating and funding inmate programs, and evaluating and reporting program outcomes. NDOC strives to offer cognitive behavioral, evidence-based “best practices” utilizing program curricula and formulas that have proved to be effective. Inmate programs are funded primarily by grants obtained by NDOC or by community organizations that bring services to Nevada’s inmates.

The division is headed by a Deputy Director who has oversight responsibility for substance abuse treatment; religious services; a Volunteer Program; mental health counseling and therapy for the general population; educational liaison with school districts and colleges; vocational training; re-entry and transitional services; “special needs” programs; and Intake assessment.

Proposals for new programs must be submitted on DOC form 3501(which is available on this website). The proposal is given to the Correctional Programs Division Office in Carson City, or to a Warden. It is then reviewed by the Program Development Committees (north and south) to see if the idea fits the department’s strategy and programming methods. The committees then recommend approval or rejection of the program proposal and a final decision is made by the Deputy Director for Correctional Programs, in line with the Director’s agenda.

Don Helling, Deputy Director for Correctional Programs, can be contacted at our central office at 5500 Snyder Avenue, Building 17 in Carson City, or by phone at (775) 887-3266 or by email at dhelling@doc.nv.gov.

Click on the following links to learn more: