At Wheeler, we believe in the power of second chances. Our multiple community justice programs are designed to meet people where they are and help them build healthier, more stable lives. Whether someone is reentering the community after incarceration, involved in a court diversion program, or working to improve their family relationships, Wheeler offers evidence-based, or research-supported services that promote accountability, healing, and growth.
Wheeler’s Community Justice Services provide an array of assessment, case management, and psychoeducational group services designed to reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. These services are grounded in trauma-informed, gender-responsive, skill-building care, and often coordinate with behavioral health, substance use treatment, and primary care to support clients using a whole-person approach.
Depending on the program, clients may receive individualized service plans that might include therapy, case management, medication-assisted treatment, and connections to other community resources. This approach helps individuals not only meet court, probation or parole requirements, but also address the criminogenic needs (e.g., antisocial thinking, substance use, antisocial peers, employment, leisure, family) that may have contributed to their legal involvement.
The goal is to have better outcomes for individuals and safer, stronger communities.
Alternative in the Community (AIC)
Wheeler’s AIC program offers justice-involved individuals a chance to participate in structured community-based services designed to hold participants accountable while giving them access to support systems and skills that can reduce recidivism.
Based on assessment outcomes, services may include psychoeducational groups addressing employment skills, substance use, trauma, emotional regulation, and cognitive skills. Participants may also receive tailored case management support to address antisocial thinking patterns, substance use ,and linkages to community resources in an effort avoid future legal trouble. An individual in the program recently said, “I am happy that this was the program the court chose for me because I feel like I walked away with knowledge that helped me succeed in life.”
Wheeler Adult Reentry
Reentry can be overwhelming. That’s where the Adult Reentry Program steps in. This program helps individuals transition from incarceration back into the community by providing wraparound support services that address every aspect of the reentry journey.
It includes assistance with:
- Assistance with basic needs
- Support with accessing community housing programs
- Housing and basic needs
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Job training and employment support
- Connection to medical care and recovery services
Through partnerships with the Department of Correction and local organizations, Wheeler helps returning citizens reduce the risk of reoffending and rebuild their lives in positive, sustainable ways.
Explore
Explore is a six-month group intervention for men involved in the justice system who have experienced multiple difficulties or convictions related to violent, abusive, and/or controlling behavior towards an intimate partner.
Explore participants learn how to:
- Identify, understand, and take responsibility for their controlling behavior
- Effectively manage feelings and stressors
- Recognize the impact of their behavior
- Make positive changes to improve their relationships and increase family safety.
An Explore participate reflected on their time in the program. “I think my clinicians were excellent… I feel they met all my mental and emotional needs. The course addresses many, if not all, aspects regarding behavior and emotional support and teach us to deal with anger and basically all emotions a person can have and teach us to deal appropriately with each different situation.”
Family Violence Education Program
The Family Violence Education Program is a court-referred educational program for individuals involved in pre-trial family or domestic violence cases. The focus is on understanding violent and abusive behavior, learning emotional regulation, and building healthy relationship skills.
Participants attend nine group sessions where they learn about:
- The cycle of violence
- Healthy communication
- Conflict resolution
- Accountability and empathy
This program helps break the pattern of violence and supports change in relationships and family environments. Many participants find the experience to be both eye-opening and empowering. One graduate shared, “I did learn a lot in those nine weeks. It did provide me with a new perspective about relationships, which hopefully will come in handy in the future, helping me to fix what was broken in my relationship, and maintain a healthy marriage. I would like to express my gratitude to the staff.”
Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTIP)
Pre-Trial Intervention Program is a diversionary program for individuals arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs or possession of drugs or paraphernalia. Instead of going through the traditional court process, participants engage in counseling, community service, and/or other rehabilitative activities.
Successful completion of the program may result in dismissed charges, offering a valuable second chance without the long-term consequences of a criminal record.
This program helps people take responsibility, understand the impact of substance use on oneself and others, and learn and practice skills to decrease the risk of substance-related problems, moving forward with a clean slate.
Parenting Education Program (PEP)
The Parenting Education Program helps parents involved with family court learn positive co-parenting strategies. Whether parents are dealing with custody issues, separation, or divorce, PEP offers tools and support to improve communication, manage stress and loss, and foster healthy family dynamics.
Sessions are held in group settings and are designed to help parents develop and practice co-parenting skills. The program is approved by the Connecticut Judicial Branch and is required for parents going through separation, divorce, or custody issues in the civil court.
This isn’t just about parenting, it’s about strengthening families, effective co-parenting and supporting children of any developmental stage during a challenging family transition.
Criminal justice involvement doesn’t have to define a person’s future. At Wheeler, we believe in accountability, recovery, and restoration. Our programs offer pathways to healing, empowerment, safety, hope and stability, so individuals can thrive and contribute positively to their families and communities.
Whether someone needs help improving family relationships, navigating reentry, or an opportunity and the skills to make better choices, Wheeler’s Community Justice Services are here to help.
Wheeler’s Parenting Education Program, Family Violence Education Program, Alternative in the Community, and Explore programs are funded by the Court Support Services Division. The Pre-Trial Intervention Program is funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.