Reentry Programs
The Norfolk Sheriff's Office offers a variety of correctional programs aimed at reducing recidivism, supporting rehabilitation, and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into the community. These programs include educational services such as GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training.
Substance abuse treatment is provided through structured programs like AA/NA meetings and counseling services. In addition, life skills classes and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions help inmates develop decision-making skills, anger management, and interpersonal skills.
Reentry planning services assist individuals nearing release by connecting them with housing, employment, and community-based support networks and agencies. Participation in these programs is often voluntary, though some may be court-mandated depending on the individual's case.
The program consists of cognitive behavior therapy focusing on mental health and substance use disorders. Focus is on education and support for the co-occurring interplay of both substance use and mental health, and the direct impact on lifestyle choices and criminal behaviors. The topics include DSM-5 exploration of mood disorders and personality disorders, medications available, medication compliance, relapse prevention, relationship development, family dynamics, core beliefs, consequences of lifestyle choices, medical consequences related to substance use, emotional regulation, trigger identification, sober support, 12 step programing, and irrational thought processes. The clients participate in multiple self-evaluations pertaining to core beliefs, personality inventories, relapse prevention worksheets, criteria pertaining to mental health issues/diagnoses, and identification of emotions. The clients are expected to participate in each group they attend, and designed to increase personal insight pertaining to the direct relationship between mental health, substance use, and personal choices. At the successful completion of the program, each participant shares with their peers what they learned while in the program, and a detailed plan that consists of a focus on release, support system development, employment, prosocial focus relating to good citizenship, relapse prevention, mental health services/plan to continue treatment and medication, and plans regarding sobriety.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 3 sessions weekly for 12 Weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Required to meet the jail criteria for programing
The purpose of the Tidewater Intergroup Council of AA Corrections Committee is to coordinate the work of individual AA members and groups who are interested in carrying our message of recovery to alcoholics behind the walls through correspondence and meetings. Also, to set up means of smoothing the way from the facility to the larger AA community through prerelease contacts.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 3 meetings monthly
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: No requirements (15 max class size)
The Adult Basic Literacy program is designed to help adults improve foundational reading, writing, and math skills. The program serves individuals who read below a high school level and aim to enhance their literacy to improve daily life functioning, employment opportunities, and further education readiness. The program for Adult Basic Education is provided for students who do not meet the minimum threshold for participation in Secondary Adult Education. Participants use the Essential Education GED Academy software and workbooks to help improve their overall knowledge of core subject areas.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 2x weekly until completion or release from Program
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: No Restrictions
The Adult Anger Management Program is a 90-day group instruction where individuals learn to manage their anger in healthy ways. It is led by a certified trained professional which involves group discussions, skill-building exercises, and sharing experiences. The goal to develop strategies for managing and expressing anger constructively.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 12 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
Using the healing power of the arts, students engage in reflective journaling, visual arts, yogic movement, meditation, and music to facilitate deeper understanding and insights into the recovery process and mental well-being.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x Weekly for 8 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
Performs a variety of interactive support, guidance, assistance and liaison functions to assist program participants with community reintegration upon release from jail. is designed to support incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society, with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting long-term reintegration and self-sufficiency
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 12 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
Life Skills + Life Coaching = Life Recovery
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
Program #1: NPS Special Education Program fulfills the Federal No Child Left Behind Mandate to serve inmates under the age of 22 who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Session Frequency & Duration: These classes are offered during the school day Monday through Friday during the school calendar year.
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Must have an IEP and be under the age of 22.
Program #2: Participants use Essential Education GED Academy software and workbooks to progress through the learning requirements. Session Frequency & Duration: These classes are offered during the school day Monday through Friday during the school calendar year.
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: No restrictions.
Freekind exists to prevent human trafficking in our communities and support survivors on their journey to freedom. Freekind brings together two Virginia-based anti-trafficking nonprofits, Richmond Justice Initiative (RJI) and Virginia Beach Justice Initiative (VBJI).
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
The program consists of cognitive behavior therapy, reentry, and trauma informed therapy. The program is designed to educate incarcerated persons on how one's thinking influences behavior and help identify faulty thinking patterns. RSAT places emphasis on providing an understanding of emotions, triggers, relapse prevention, trauma, anger management, and effective coping skills. Throughout the program, clients participate in transitional planning, they are educated on community resources, and are linked to services to promote success as they re-enter society.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 3x week for 12 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Individuals that have been Court ordered to address their addictions as well as those seeking relief from their struggle with addiction.
This is a comprehensive training program designed specifically for incarcerated fathers to strengthen their parenting skills, deepen their understanding of responsible fatherhood, and maintain positive relationships with their children and families. The program addresses unique the unique challenges of parenting while incarcerated and provides participants wit practical tools to foster emotional connections, effective communication and personal growth.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 2x Weekly for 12 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
Offers comprehensive reentry assistance available to ex- offenders returning to the Hampton Roads area. The purpose of STEP- UP program is to prepare the Ex-offender for reentry into the workforce. Additional services include assistance in preparing resumes and applications as well as referrals for support services in the surrounding areas.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x weekly for 6-8 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Pathway Program Participant
A cognitive-behavioral curriculum designed to help individuals, particularly those in the justice system, change their thinking patterns and behaviors. It focuses on improving social skills, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive self-change, ultimately aiming to promote positive behavioral outcomes.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 2x Weekly for 12 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs
JSTP is a comprehensive approach to job skills training and placement for those wanting to enhance their employability, change careers, or are unemployed or underemployed. The Job Skill areas available at the Norfolk City Jail are under the Hospitality component and include Hotel Front Desk Clerk, Maintenance, Restaurant Server and Guest Room Attendant.
- Session Frequency & Duration: 1x week for 8-10 weeks
- Participant Eligibility Criteria: Qualified for the Pathway Programs

































