EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Educational Program (GED)

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The Roanoke City Adult Detention Center’s educational program is available to all-residents and is supported by, one full time teacher, and community agencies and volunteers. All residents are tested prior to enrollment in the program.

Due to low educational levels of many of the residents, the program objectives are basic adult education, learning to read and write as well as obtaining a GED. The detention center provides a classroom, educational computers and related equipment, program rooms, materials, supplies and support as needed. Residents are taught in a classroom setting, with those in need of individual help assigned tutors.

In addition to the Educational Program (GED) residents may participate in a wide selection of educational opportunities through the (R.)I.G.N.I.T.E. Resident Programs. (R.)I.G.N.I.T.E. Residents Individually Growing Naturally and Intentionally through Education information can be found under the Detention Center Dropdown Menu.

Special Education

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In 1991, the Virginia General Assembly adopted federal legislation and passed House Joint Resolution 367 sponsored by Delegate Clifton A. Woodrum. This law requires local detention centers to provide special educational services to residents to the age of 22. The Roanoke City Sheriff's Office has worked closely with local school administrators to implement plans to comply with federal special education requirements. Presently, the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center is working cooperatively with the Roanoke City Public Schools to provide services to eligible residents. A part-time special education teacher provides instruction to the residents. The usual procedure in providing educational services begins with a resident’s committal.

A classification officer gathers information concerning the resident’s past education history. If the resident is age 22 or less, does not have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and is in need of services, he/she will be interviewed further to determine requirements. The teacher then obtains any records pertaining to the process of determining eligibility. Information is shared with other facilities to which the resident may be transferred to avoid any duplication of services.

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Library Program

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The detention center has a full time librarian responsible for ensuring all residents are given an opportunity to participate in the library program. The detention center has a library from which the residents may check out educational, religious, fiction, non-fiction and magazines.

Legal research may be conducted by all residents through a legal app located on the resident tablet system. The app features current case law, current statutes and/or codes both US and VA, Attorney General opinions, legal dictionary (both Spanish and English) and other relevant legal materials. Every resident is assigned a tablet for use during their incarceration