What Programs Are Available at Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI)? Education, Vocational Training, and Road to Recovery

SCI offers several categories of rehabilitative programming: educational opportunities, vocational training, and work assignments that help build routine and practical skills. The facility also provides spiritual and religious opportunities, a variety of other classes, and the Road to Recovery (R2R) treatment program.

Education and vocational training are two of the main program tracks at SCI. Education programs typically focus on foundational learning goals and credentials, which can matter for reentry and for qualifying for other opportunities inside. Vocational training tends to be more hands-on and job-skill focused. If your loved one wants to use their time in a structured way, both areas are worth asking about early. Enrollment, waitlists, and eligibility requirements can all shape what's realistic in the first few months.

Work assignments are another part of SCI's programming. For many families, these are a practical way for a loved one to keep a steady routine and practice showing up consistently. SCI also offers spiritual and religious opportunities. If that kind of support matters to your loved one, it can be a grounding source of community and reflection while they're inside.

Beyond the main categories, SCI lists "a variety of other classes and programming." The best way to find out what's currently available is to ask about options where your loved one is housed. Offerings can shift based on staffing, schedules, and eligibility.

SCI offers the Road to Recovery (R2R) treatment program. According to SCI's program description, R2R is presented as an industry best practice that has proven to be effective. If your loved one is dealing with substance use or related challenges, R2R is a distinct treatment track, separate from general education or job-training programming. That distinction can shape where they live, what their daily schedule looks like, and what expectations they're held to while participating.

A Therapeutic Community model means treatment is built around the day-to-day community, not just individual counseling sessions. The group environment, shared norms, and structured expectations all reinforce behavior change over time. For families, this matters because progress looks like consistent participation and better decision-making, not just "finishing a class." Your loved one may be asked to take feedback seriously and practice accountability as part of the program's culture.

1. Ask what programs are currently available to them What SCI offers includes education, vocational training, and R2R, but availability can depend on housing and timing.
2. Find out eligibility and any waitlist process Have your loved one ask staff how sign-ups work for educational programs, vocational training, and treatment programs like R2R.
3. Get the basics: schedule, expectations, and conflicts Encourage your loved one to ask how program hours fit with work assignments and other requirements.
4. Ask what “completion” looks like Some programs are ongoing, and others have clear milestones. Knowing the target helps you support realistic goals.
5. Support consistency from the outside If your loved one enrolls, help them stay focused by asking about attendance, what they are learning, and what helps them stay on track.

Questions List

• ✓ What programs am I eligible for right now, and what is the next step to enroll?
• ✓ Is there a waitlist for education, vocational training, or R2R? If so, how long is it typically?
• ✓ Do I need to meet any requirements (classification level, disciplinary status, time left, screening) to start?
• ✓ What is the weekly schedule like, and will it conflict with my work assignment?
• ✓ What does progress look like in this program (milestones, phases, certificates, or other benchmarks)?
• ✓ If I am removed from a program, what are the common reasons, and how do I get back in?
• ✓ Are there any expectations families should know about to support participation (letters, encouragement, goals)?