TOTAL IMMERSION PROGRAM
The Total Immersion Program (TIP) began in January 1996 as a pilot program of the Gavin Foundation in partnership with the South Boston District Court. The TIP Program is designed to address issues of substance abuse and violence.
Many Judges and probation officers recognized that recidivism rates were elevated among persons with violent convictions that related to substance abuse. This program provides alternative sentencing options while placing restrictive and helpful limits on the probationer so they can successfully complete probation and not return to jail.
The process includes the following: referral from the District Courts, assessment interview, and assignment to an anger management group. At this time a counselor is designated to each group member. This same counselor will work with each client to develop an individual service plan, provide case management services and document client progress. Mandatory AA meetings, participation in an AAWOL and drug screens are reported to the Department of Probation. The AAWOL is a community based 22 week intense study of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous sponsored by Gavin Foundation. Participation in the above services is reported weekly. Clients participate in the program for at least 30 weeks or until goals developed in the service plan are achieved.
Independent counseling sessions are made available for victims of these violent crimes. Attendance at these weekly sessions has grown to include other community residents eager to participate in the recovery process.
Gavin Foundation collaborates with the probation departments to evaluate the success of the clients we are serving. The outcome of this evaluation process confirms that with treatment these probationers can complete probation. The recidivism rate for clients in this very successful program is 24% vs the norm of 78%.
Through the success of this pilot program TIP has grown to include District Courts in Dorchester, Quincy, Hingham, Somerville, Brighton and Charlestown in addition to South Boston. We also provide training so others may duplicate our efforts.
