Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who once had a drinking problem. It is a non-professional, self-supporting, non-denominational, multiracial, apolitical and available almost anywhere. There is no age or education requirements. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about their drinking problem.

AA meetings are offered to all inmates at the detention facility. Volunteers donate about one hour each week to conduct the meetings.Our facility has a number of AA materials for the inmates that can be provided in both English and Spanish.

Domestic Violence Education

Domestic violence classes help inmates understand the cycle of violence, cognitive distortions, and surface triggers that lead to violence. Additionally, inmates learn the role that alcohol and drugs play in domestic violence.

Inmates are presented with the challenge that letting go of power and control over their domestic partners is essential if patterns of abuse and coercion are to be reversed.  Inmates often pursue continuing treatment after release and report that the use of their newly acquired skills provide a framework for improved relationships as they return to the community. Domestic violence education classes are offered at the Detention Facility on a weekly basis. 

GED and Other Education

The Sheriff's Office gives education and literacy a high priority at the detention facility. Instruction is offered in English as a second language, adult basic education, and General Education Development (GED) test preparation. When the inmates are appropriately prepared for testing, Arapahoe County provides a certificate for free off-site GED testing.

Inmates may choose to work on reading, writing, and math skills using a 10-station computer lab. Inmates also may receive individual tutoring from volunteers who donate about three hours each week to assist inmates during education class. Learning materials are also available to speakers of other languages who wish to improve their knowledge of English.

Health Information Classes

Health information classes are provided to the inmates to offer comprehensive education on birth control, sexually transmitted infections, prevention of STI’s, availability of resources, and access to care upon their release. These classes are taught to inmates by a registered public health nurse.

Jail-Based Behavioral Services Program

The JBBS Program is a collaborative effort between the Detention Facility, Aurora Mental Health Center to address substance abuse, mental health issues, criminal thinking, and to reduce recidivism. Therapists from each mental health facility work onsite at the jail to provide screening or assessments; individual therapy; group therapy; and re-entry case management services, as needed. The class curriculum is designed to address substance abuse issues and criminal conduct using a cognitive-behavioral framework. Once inmates are released, clinicians follow-up with them for a year to ensure continued care is received in community services. The program offers the inmates an opportunity to have continuity of care that is critical for successful treatment outcomes.

Religious Services

The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility provides a full-time chaplain to meet the religious needs of inmates.  The chaplain conducts weekly religious services, supplies religious materials upon request and meets with individual inmates for counseling, encouragement and prayer.

The chaplain and programs staff oversee the many religious services facilitated by volunteers offered each week. Additionally, the chaplain and programs staff coordinate with outside clergy members of varied denominational or religious backgrounds to help meet the diverse religious needs of the inmates.

The various religious services and studies are provided so inmates can continue their religious practices or become re-acquainted with them.  Many desire to grow more devout or informed with a hope of finding peace of mind, a new direction or meaning for life or to feel better about themselves or their situation. The chaplain and the many volunteers are committed to supporting inmates desiring information, fellowship and encouragement while they are incarcerated.