Each quarter, our admissions committee gathers to identify new clients for Changed Choices. The process begins long before that quarterly meeting.
Before the pandemic, we met potential clients through our work at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, and our classes, counseling, and mentorship program. During COVID, we entrusted our current clients to be our advocates throughout North Carolina and federal prisons. They did an amazing job of sharing about our programming, and over the past two years 100% of our new clients came from their referrals.
For admissions consideration, a woman needs:
- At least two years remaining of her sentence
- Ties to Mecklenburg and surrounding counties
- A deep desire for a new path forward
Through the admissions process, our team gets to know each potential client through correspondence, references, and a strong understanding of the steps a woman has already taken in her journey of change. This can include additional education or training, enrollment in treatment programs, and actions taken toward restoration.
Our admissions team is made of former clients, mental health providers, and program staff. We look forward to seeing who will join Changed Choices this month!
