FCI Marianna — Programs Likely Available That Earn First Step Act Time Credits

The Bureau's FSA Approved Programs Guide splits programs into two categories: Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) Programs and Productive Activities (PAs). This matters because when people talk about "earning time credits," they usually mean EBRR programs - structured, evidence-based classes the Bureau has approved for credit. Productive Activities can still help with growth and reentry, but when asking staff about First Step Act Time Credits, start by confirming whether the specific class is an EBRR program and how many credit hours it carries.

Some FSA-approved programs are explicitly listed by the Bureau as "available at all BOP institutions." When a program falls into that category, it's reasonable to expect FCI Marianna may offer it. That said, whether a class is actually running depends on staffing, population needs, and scheduling - so treat "available at all institutions" as a strong lead, then verify locally before your loved one counts on it for credits.

Anger Management is a clear example. The Bureau's FSA program guide lists it as available at all BOP institutions, making it a strong program to ask about at FCI Marianna. The program focuses on learning skills through interactive practice and review, with between-session work (worksheets and homework-style challenges) that helps participants apply what they're learning rather than just sitting through lectures.

The key detail for time-credit planning: Anger Management awards 18 hours of EBRR program credits. If your loved one is mapping out how to earn credits over time, those hours are what you'll want confirmed in the institution's tracking and completion record.

Basic Cognitive Skills is another program worth asking about. The Bureau lists it as available at all BOP institutions, and it carries 24 hours of EBRR program credits. It's designed as a cognitive-behavioral "lead-in" to other thinking-skills work - building a foundation that supports later programming. If your loved one wants an EBRR option with a larger block of credit hours, put this one on the list for FCI Marianna program staff.

1. Ask whether the program is currently scheduled - Have your loved one check through their unit and ask directly about upcoming groups for Anger Management and Basic Cognitive Skills (dates, waitlist, and how often groups start).
2. Confirm the delivering department - For Anger Management, confirm it’s being delivered by Psychology Services staff, since that’s tied to program fidelity and proper credit.
3. Ask who runs enrollment for similar EBRR groups - Some programs are tied to specific staff roles; for example, the Bureau specifies that Assert Yourself for Female Offenders is to be delivered by a Social Worker, Special Populations Program Coordinator, or Unit Team Staff to ensure fidelity and proper credit.
4. Get the “credit hours” answer in plain language - Have your loved one ask: once they complete the group, how many EBRR credit hours will be recorded for that specific class at FCI Marianna?
5. Escalate program-approval questions to the Bureau if needed - If you can’t get a clear answer about whether a class is an approved FSA program or how it’s credited, you can contact the Bureau’s Reentry Services Division (RSD) for additional information.

Enroll and Record

• ✓ Is Anger Management scheduled right now, and when is the next group start date?
• ✓ Will Anger Management be delivered by Psychology Services staff (so it’s credited properly)?
• ✓ Is Basic Cognitive Skills scheduled right now, and is there a waitlist?
• ✓ Who enrolls people in these EBRR programs (unit team, Psychology Services, or another office)?
• ✓ How are completion and EBRR credit hours recorded after the last session?
• ✓ If a similar program is offered by a different department, will it still count for the same EBRR credit hours?
• ✓ For programs with specific delivery requirements (like Assert Yourself for Female Offenders), which staff role is running it at the institution?

Need more information about FSA-approved programs? If you're trying to confirm whether a class is officially approved for credits, email the Bureau's Reentry Services Division (RSD) at BOP-RSD-NRB-FSA@BOP.GOV. They're the contact point listed in the Bureau's guide for FSA program questions.