SOP_NUMBER: 107.18
TITLE: R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program
DIVISION: Inmate Services Division
TOPIC_AREA: 107 Policy-Counseling/Risk Reduction
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2019-08-30
WORD_COUNT: 2529
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/532149
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the R.I.S.E. (Reinforcing, Instructing, Supporting, and Encouraging) statewide offender mentoring program, a voluntary initiative that identifies and trains eligible offenders to serve as mentors to other incarcerated individuals. The policy applies to all GDC staff and participating offenders, outlining the eligibility criteria, selection process, training requirements, placement procedures, and monitoring expectations for mentor positions. The program aims to improve social, behavioral, and programmatic outcomes while maintaining facility safety and security.

KEY_TOPICS: offender mentoring, R.I.S.E. program, peer mentors, inmate mentors, Pathfinders Program, mentor selection, eligibility criteria, disciplinary history, gang activity, case plans, interview committee, classification committee, mentor placement, behavioral outcomes, facility programming

ATTACHMENTS:
  1. Mentor Application (R.I.S.E Program)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-1/
  2. Mentor Contract (R.I.S.E Program)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-2/
  3. Mentor Evaluation (R.I.S.E Program)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-3/
  4. Interview Checklist (R.I.S.E. Program)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-4/
  5. Mentor Orientation Checklist (R.I.S.E. Program)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-5/
  6. Offender Mentor Program - Pathfinders Mentoring Training (Trifold Brochure)
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-6/
  7. R.I.S.E. Program Acceptance Letter
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/107.18-att-7/

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**1 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|


**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**







Reinforcing, Instructing, Supporting, and Encouraging (R.I.S.E.) offenders through
mentorship is a voluntary statewide offender mentoring program designed to
accurately identify appropriate offenders to serve as Mentors within the Georgia
Department of Corrections (GDC). This policy will provide guidance to all staff when
selecting, training, placing, and monitoring offenders who are R.I.S.E. Mentors.
R.I.S.E. mentoring program is intended to positively affect social, behavioral, and
programmatic outcomes for all GDC offenders while maintaining safe and secure
facilities.


**II.** **Authority:**

A. GDC Board Rules: 125-2-4-.03, 125-2-4-.05, 125-3-2-.04, 125-3-2-.08, and 125
3-5-.01 through .07;

B. GDC Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs): 103.63, Americans with Disabilities

Act (ADA) - Title II Provisions; 207.04 Offender Work Details; 221.02, Count
Procedures; and 220.03, Classification Committee; and

C. ACA Standards: 4-4337, 4-4449, 4-4451, 4-4104, and 4-4187.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **R.I.S.E** . **Mentoring Program**    - Reinforcing, Instructing, Supporting, and

Encouraging offenders through mentorship.

B. **Mentor**    - An offender who is trained to assist, guide, educate, and support the

offender population under staff supervision.

C. **Pathfinders Program**    - A course designed to introduce offenders to the skills and

knowledge that will prepare them to become productive and effective Mentors.

D. **Interview Committee**    - A committee developed to interview all potential

Mentors. The committee must consist of a staff member from care and treatment,
security, and the supervisor of the assigned work location.

E. **Classification Committee**    - A committee that is responsible for all offender initial

assignments, reclassification actions, and movements with regard to work details,


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**2 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



program assignments, security levels, transfer requests, housing assignments, and
administrative segregation hearings.

F. **Specialized Training**    - Additional training completed by the offender, as

determined by their Mentor work assignment.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**

This policy outlines the selection, training, placement, documentation, and monitoring
of offenders in the R.I.S.E. mentoring program. Mentors are not compensated, and
their participation is completely voluntary. Program participation is a privilege and not
a guarantee, therefore, program participation is not a grieveable issue.


A. Eligibility Criteria: Offenders who meet the criteria listed below will be

interviewed by the Interview Committee and reviewed by the Classification
Committee for placement in the mentoring program. The offender should be
provided information regarding the mentoring program during the orientation
process (Attachment 6). The offender must meet the following criteria:


1. Have a High School Diploma or GED (discretion may be applied based on

Mentor assignment);

2. Be enrolled in or have completed the Pathfinders Program;

3. No high disciplinary report for at least three (3) years prior to application;

4. No moderate disciplinary report for at least one (1) year prior to application;

5. No documented gang activity for at least five (5) years prior to application; and

6. Be actively engaged in completing, or has completed, their case plan.


B. Identification of a Mentor:


1. Selection Process - The selection process is done on an on-going basis.

Identification and selection for the program shall follow the following outline:


a. Complete the Application Process:


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**3 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



i. An offender must request an application (Attachment 1) from his or her

assigned counselor;

ii. On the application the offender may elect to identify up to three (3)
Mentor placements in which they are interested;

iii. The offender must receive a recommendation for the R.I.S.E.
mentoring program from the supervisor(s) of his or her desired work
assignment. The offender’s assigned counselor should assist the
offender in identifying and reaching out to the work assignment
supervisor(s) for the recommendation if assistance is needed;

iv. Additional recommendations may be provided by any staff member
familiar with the offender and/or an offender currently in the R.I.S.E.
mentoring program;

v. An offender must return a completed application to his or her assigned
counselor for program consideration. An application is not considered
complete without the recommendation of the desired work
assignment’s supervisor as referenced in Paragraph (iii) above;

vi. Once a completed application has been received, the offender’s
counselor will obtain approval from the Deputy Warden of Care and
Treatment (DWCT) or designee for the offender to move forward in
the selection process;

vii. If the offender is not approved, he or she will be notified by the
counselor, informed of the reason for the disapproval, and actions he or
she may take to reapply if applicable;

viii. Approved applications must be scanned into Scribe; and

ix. Approved offenders will be given an approval letter (Attachment 7) and
assigned an offender profile of one of the following: “R.I.S.E. Mentor

    - Peer” or “R.I.S.E. Mentor – Program”. When a position becomes
available in which the offender is interested, the offender will move
forward to the interview process;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**4 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



2. Complete the Interview Process:


i. Once a position in a work assignment becomes available, the
Interview Committee will pull the R.I.S.E. profile list to identify any
potential offenders to be scheduled for an interview;

ii. The Interview Committee shall conduct the interviews at the facility;

iii. The Interview Committee is responsible for drafting interview
questions that are specific to the work assignment;

iv. If the offender is not selected, the offender will be notified in person
by the assigned counselor within 5-7 business days after the
interview;

v. If the offender is selected, the offender’s counselor will be notified,
and the counselor will submit the offender’s name and application to
the Classification Committee within 5-7 business days;

vi. The Classification Committee will review the application within 5-7
business days after receipt;

vii. If the offender is approved by the Classification Committee, the
offender will receive an acceptance letter within 5-7 business days,
which will outline the next steps in the process; and


**NOTE: (For outside details) After the Classification Committee’s**
**approval, final approval for the outside detail must come from**
**the Warden or designee.**

viii. If the offender is not approved by the Classification Committee, the
offender will not receive an acceptance letter and will be notified
within 5-7 business days by his or her assigned counselor.

**NOTE: An offender’s skill level, work history, medical/mental**
**health status, and physical limitations will be taken into**
**consideration when approving Mentor work assignments.**


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**5 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



**However, an offender will not be deprived of an opportunity to**
**become a Mentor based on any disabilities or accommodations**
**needed. See SOP 103.63, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -**
**Title II Provisions.**


C. Training Requirements: An approved offender for the R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program

is required to complete any applicable training as outlined in this policy.


1. All program participants must complete the Pathfinders Program.

2. Offenders can request to be enrolled in the Pathfinders Program prior to

placement on a Mentor work assignment.

3. An offender can also begin their Mentor work assignment prior to completing

the Pathfinders Program, however the offender will need to complete the
program within 60 days of placement.

4. The Pathfinders Program will be offered on a continuous basis, based on the

needs of the facility.

5. If an immediate opening for the training is not available, the offender will be

placed on a referral list for the Pathfinders Program.

6. The facility will schedule the offenders that are on the referral list for a Mentor

placement for the Pathfinders Program as soon as the facility schedule permits.

7. Specialized Training may be required as outlined in the job description for the

Mentor’s area of assignment.

8. The Mentor’s supervisor shall be responsible for making sure the Mentor has

completed the Mentor Orientation Checklist (Attachment 5) and reviewed all
required documents upon work assignment which includes:


a. The Mentor’s Contract (Attachment 2), and

b. Program rules.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**6 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



D. Mentor Assignments: There are a variety of mentoring assignments that are

available at a facility. The type of assignments vary based on the needs of the
facility. Mentor placement opportunities may include, but are not limited to, the
following:


1.  Program Mentors:


a. Academic and Vocational Education;

b. Creative Workshops/Art;

c. Recreation; and

d. Group Facilitators.


2.  Peer Mentors:


a. Counseling Services;

b. Substance Abuse;

c. Chaplaincy;

d. Crisis Intervention; and

e. Medical/Mental Health Support.


**NOTE: Offenders may be reassigned as necessary within their abilities**
**and facility needs.**

E. Continued Eligibility: All offenders, whether currently an active Mentor or waiting

for placement, must maintain eligibility for the program as outlined in Section
(IV)(A).

1. Mentors are required to complete additional training throughout the year as

specified by their work assignment coordinator;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**7 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



2. All active Mentors must complete an annual 8-hour in-service training to

sustain eligibility for R.I.S.E; and

3. Additionally, some Mentor programs may require mandatory weekly or

monthly meetings.

F. Annual/Periodic Evaluations for Mentors:


1. All active Mentors must be evaluated annually by their work assignment

supervisor. Attachment 3 is to be utilized when completing an evaluation on
the offender.

2. Mentors may also be evaluated periodically as determined by their work

assignment supervisor.

3. “Mentees” can also submit an anonymous Mentor evaluation when requested

and/or at the end of the Mentor’s work assignment.

G. Removal/Reassignment: All Mentors involved in the R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program

can be removed or reassigned by the Warden/designee. Offenders can request a
reassignment, however, they will need to complete the application process again.

1. The Warden/designee has the authority to remove or reassign an offender

based upon the following:


a. Not following the rules of the institution and/or those given by the mentors’

supervisor;

b. Failing to complete the required trainings;

c. No longer eligible for the program;

d. Inadequate job performance;

e. Lack of effort as a Mentor; and

f. Any reason deemed necessary by the Warden/designee.


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**8 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



2. The work assignment supervisor can make a written recommendation to

remove or reassign a Mentor. The recommendation will be given to the
DWCT/designee for review. The DWCT/designee will review the request and
submit the recommendation to the Warden for final action. The offender’s
counselor will be notified of the final action and the final action will be
documented in Scribe.

3. A Mentor can also ask to be removed from the program voluntarily with no

disciplinary consequence.

4. Once a Mentor is removed from the program, that offender cannot be

considered for the R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program for at least thirty-six (36)
months after removal.


H. Scribe Documentation: Any information associated with the R.I.S.E. Mentoring

Program will be placed in Scribe for statewide access.


1. All program data will be documented in the appropriate area in Scribe

including:


a.  Enrollments;

b. Completions; and

c. Terminations.


2. All paperwork, i.e., application, contract, and evaluations will be scanned into

the Offender Docs section in Scribe. Staff must have scanning capabilities in
order to scan and upload the documents. Documents shall be scanned and
uploaded into the Reentry Documents Folder in the Offender Docs section.

3. To view the R.I.S.E. Mentoring Program paperwork in Scribe, staff will utilize

the following steps:


i. Click Offender Documents;


ii. Select Reentry Documents Folder;


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|**Policy Name:**R.I.S.E. - The Statewide Offender Mentoring Program|
|**Policy Number:** 107.18|**Effective Date:** 8/30/2019|**Page Number:**9 of 9|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Inmate Services Division<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level II: Required Offender<br>Access|



iii. Select Statewide Offender Mentoring Documents (R.I.S.E.) Folder;

and

iv. Click on the PDF links to view the various documents within the

Folder.

**V.** **Attachments:**

Attachment 1: Mentor Application
Attachment 2: Mentor Contract
Attachment 3: Mentor Evaluation
Attachment 4: Mentor Interview Checklist
Attachment 5: Mentor Orientation Checklist
Attachment 6: Trifold Brochure
Attachment 7: RISE Program Acceptance Letter

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 shall be kept in the offender’s record
in SCRIBE and a hard copy shall be placed in the offender’s institutional file.
Attachment 6 shall be utilized as required and destroyed when revised or obsolete.