Who to Contact About Programs and Services at Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center

The best statewide overview is the Wisconsin Department of Corrections

Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center (REECC) falls under the Wisconsin Women's Correctional System (WWCS). Keep this in mind when asking about services - many programs are managed at the DOC level, even though day-to-day availability depends on site scheduling and staffing.

3

• ✓ Is my loved one currently eligible to enroll, or are there requirements they must meet first?
• ✓ What is the exact program name you’re referring to (for example, a Cognitive Behavioral Program (CBP), a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program, or Dual Diagnosis)?
• ✓ What does a typical group session look like - how long is it (CBP groups are generally 90 minutes), how often does it meet (CBP groups are generally 2–3 times per week), and what size is the group (often 8–15 participants)?
• ✓ Who facilitates the group (name or title), and are they trained/certified for that program area?
• ✓ Is the program offered to women at sites within the Wisconsin Women’s Correctional System, and are there gender-responsive options when appropriate?
• ✓ If Dual Diagnosis is involved, is it the female Dual Diagnosis Program, and is it the 21-week track?
• ✓ For the female Dual Diagnosis Program, does the curriculum include gender-responsive content focused on substance use, trauma, violence, and emotion regulation?
• ✓ How long is the full program from start to completion, and what happens if someone misses sessions?
• ✓ Are there reentry-related supports tied to the program (planning before release and follow-up after release, when applicable)?

Calling about Cognitive Behavioral Programs (CBP)? It helps to know what to expect so you can confirm what's actually available right now. DOC describes CBP as group-based sessions led by trained staff, with about 8–15 participants per group. Sessions typically run 90 minutes, 2–3 times per week.

For substance use treatment questions, ask directly whether your loved one is being considered for a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program - DOC offers SUD programming to both men and women in its care. If the conversation turns to Dual Diagnosis (for people dealing with both substance use disorder and serious mental illness), be specific about the track. DOC describes a female Dual Diagnosis Program that runs 21 weeks and uses gender-responsive curricula focused on substance use, trauma, and emotion regulation.

1. Write down what you’ve already tried - keep a simple log with the date, time, and who you attempted to reach, plus a one-line summary of what you were asking.
2. Contact Wisconsin DOC’s central office - use the main phone number (608-240-5000) or the central address (3099 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704) to route your question to the right program area.
3. Reference the program guide by name and date - mention the “Opportunities and Options Resource Guide” (June 2023) and ask where the specific program question should be directed.