INTRODUCTION

Thompson Correctional Center (TCC) is located 17 miles east of Madison between Deerfield and Cambridge, about 3/4 miles east of State Hwy. 12/18. TCC is located on 22 acres of land bisected by State Farm Road. The Center buildings are located on the  north side of State Farm Road and includes a 90-bed center and business office in the new building and program space and additional housing in the old building.

TCC was established in 1942 as a prison farm located on 1,100 acres of land which were owned by the University of Wisconsin but leased to the Department of Welfare. In 1974 all but the current 22 acres of land were sold to the public. At that time the center's program focus changed from one of farming to work release. Originally Thompson Correctional Center housed 36 offenders. In 1993, construction of the new building was completed and the original center building was closed. The new center allowed the population to expand to 90 offenders.

Ongoing population increases eventually required the re-opening of the original center building in 1994 for use as a 16-bed honor unit. Three years later an additional 14-bed dorm was opened in the original building. Currently the average TCC population is 120 male offenders.

PROGRAMS

TCC is part of the Dane County Enhanced Supervision Project that serves offenders primarily from Dane, Rock, Green and Jefferson Counties. In addition, an Alternative to Incarceration program is available to provide a 12-slot/12 week program for probationers and parolees whom otherwise would be revoked. This program emphasizes life skills, employment and relapse prevention.

Work release is the primary focal point at TCC and is viewed as a privilege to be earned. Prior to work release and to remain eligible for work release, all men are required to attend a specific number of weekly programming groups (Reintegration/Relapse Prevention with a focus on alcohol or other drug abuse issues). An average of 65 offenders may work in the community/private sector at any given time. While on work release, offenders are expected to routinely make payments on all outstanding restitution, court-ordered obligations, child support and child support arrears.

Under the supervision of a staff member(s) or responsible member(s) of the community, offenders are also afforded the opportunity to work in the community on community service crews. Additionally, TCC has developed a garden initiative which provides fresh foods to the Wisconsin Harvest Program and area food pantries.

GED/HSED - Offers individual tutoring for men who do not have a high school diploma.

AA/NA/SMART - All men that have an identified need are required to attend one group a week. Off-grounds participation in AA is also provided to offenders who have earned the privilege.

AODA Level II - Offers offenders with an identified AODA aftercare need this 10-week program.

Long Distance Dads - All offenders with children, who have not committed any offenses against children may participate in this 16-week program. This program was developed specifically for incarcerated individuals as a means of preparing them for release and family re-integration.