Montana's prison system, despite its overcrowding challenges and reliance on out-of-state private facilities, has invested in structured rehabilitation programming. The centerpiece of Montana DOC's approach is the Integrated Correctional Programming Model (ICPM) — a framework that organizes programming around individual risk and need assessments to deliver targeted interventions. Here is what is available and how families can support participation.
The Integrated Correctional Programming Model (ICPM)
The ICPM is Montana DOC's evidence-based programming framework, built around the principle that the most effective corrections programming targets the specific risk factors and criminogenic needs of each individual inmate — rather than offering one-size-fits-all programs that may not address the actual drivers of criminal behavior. Under ICPM, each incarcerated person receives a validated risk and needs assessment, and programming assignments are guided by what that assessment identifies.
Recognized programming domains under ICPM include:
- Cognitive-behavioral programming — addressing thinking patterns that contribute to criminal decision-making
- Substance abuse treatment — individual and group programming for alcohol and drug use disorders
- Mental health services — clinical assessment and treatment for diagnosable mental health conditions
- Educational programming — GED preparation, adult basic education, literacy
- Vocational and employment training — skills-based programs with post-release employment value
- Family relationship programming — maintaining and strengthening family bonds during incarceration
ICPM at Out-of-State Facilities
One of the advocacy concerns about Montana's out-of-state placements has been access to Montana-specific programming. Montana DOC has addressed this by sending DOC staff to CoreCivic's Tallahatchie facility in Mississippi to train CoreCivic staff in the delivery of ICPM. The expectation is that ICPM-aligned programming will be available at Tallahatchie for Montana inmates — though the rollout is in progress, and program availability may not yet be fully equivalent to what is offered at Montana State Prison.
Educational Programs
GED preparation and adult basic education are available at Montana State Prison and Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby. The federal Pell Grant restoration in 2023 expanded access to post-secondary college coursework for Montana inmates as well. Educational attainment is a documented factor in both ICPM risk reduction and Montana Parole Board release decisions — completing a GED or vocational credential during incarceration strengthens a parole release plan.
Vocational Training
Montana State Prison operates vocational programs through partnerships with state educational institutions. Available programs have included welding, auto mechanics, carpentry, and computer skills. Vocational credentials earned in prison translate directly to post-release employment opportunities and are valued by Montana's labor market in the trades.
How Families Can Support Programming
The most important thing a family can do is ask about programming participation consistently — in every call and every visit. Specifically:
- Ask whether an ICPM risk and needs assessment has been completed and what it identified
- Ask what programming the case manager has recommended and whether the inmate is enrolled
- Ask about GED and vocational program waitlists — waitlists can be long, and getting on them early matters
- For out-of-state inmates at Tallahatchie, ask the case manager (through DOC) what ICPM programming has been made available there
Montana DOC headquarters: 5 South Last Chance Gulch, PO Box 201301, Helena, MT 59620. Phone: (406) 444-3930. Website: cor.mt.gov.