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Rick Scott, Governor
Florida Department of Corrections
Julie L. Jones, Secretary
| Media Advisory November 14, 2011 |
For More Information Contact: Gretl Plessinger Communications Director (850) 488-0420 |
| Who | Reporters are invited to the ADAPT graduation ceremony for dogs trained by state inmates at New River Correctional Institution’s O-Unit in Raiford, Florida. Reporters will have opportunities to film the dogs, to interview the staff and inmates, and to be there when the coveted “Top Dog” award is announced. |
| When | The graduation takes place on Monday November 21, 2011 at 10:00 AM at New River Correctional Institution’s O-Unit. |
| What | ADAPT stands for Adoptable Dogs After Prisoner Training. ADAPT dogs spend two months at New River Correctional Institution’s O-Unit being trained by an inmate so they can sit, stay, come and walk by your side without pulling on the leash. They are crate trained and housebroken. They have all their shots and have been spayed or neutered and are microchipped. The cost for adoption is $100. |
| Why | Currently one of every three inmates released from the Florida prison system returns to prison within three years. Through programs like ADAPT the Department of Corrections is focusing on teaching inmates viable job skills that will lead them to productive jobs and law-abiding lives upon release. |
| Department Contact | If you wish to attend the ADAPT graduation ceremony, please contact the Department of Corrections’ Communications Office at (850) 488-0420 several days before the scheduled graduation, as background checks will need to be completed. |
| Our Community Partners | To adopt a ADAPT graduate, contact The Humane Society of Northeast Florida, a no-kill shelter in Putnam County at (386) 325-1587 or hsnefl@gmail.com, or visit their website at: www.hsnefl.com |
| Directions to New River Correctional Institution | From Interstate 10, take exit 335 (Highway 121) south toward Raiford (approximately 15 miles). Turn left on Highway 16 toward Starke (at “State Prison” sign). Go approximately 2 miles, just past Union CI and over the New River bridge. Turn right into the Florida State Prison driveway, then go right again at the roundabout to reach the O-Unit. From Jacksonville or Gainesville, take Highway 301 to Starke, then turn west onto Highway 16 (9 miles). FSP driveway will be on the left. |
| New River CI "O" Unit Address | 7819 N.W. 228th Street, Raiford, Florida 32026-3000 |
