Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC)

Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) in New Jersey

The Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) is a secure correctional facility in Avenel, New Jersey operated by the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Its purpose is to provide specialized treatment and incarceration for certain repetitive and compulsive male sex offenders.

History and Background of the ADTC

The ADTC first opened in 1976 to provide sex offender treatment and confinement as an alternative to traditional incarceration. It operates under New Jersey’s Sex Offender Act and currently houses around 700 inmates.

In order to be eligible for sentencing to the ADTC, offenders must meet certain criteria under the Sex Offender Act related to the repetitive and compulsive nature of their crimes. For example, eligibility may require two or more separate sex offense convictions, or multiple victims across different incidents.

Sentencing judges have discretion on whether to order ADTC confinement rather than traditional prison. The minimum sentence is one year, with inmates often serving several years before parole.

Treatment Programs at the ADTC

The ADTC provides comprehensive cognitive-behavioral sex offender treatment and relapse prevention programming. This includes:

• Individual and group therapy sessions
• Social skills and relationship training
• Sex education and human sexuality classes
• Anger management and impulse control
• Substance abuse and addiction treatment

Inmates progress through various phases of treatment during their confinement. The goal is to address underlying psychological issues contributing to criminal sexual compulsions and prepare inmates to control deviant urges upon release.

Conditions and Restrictions at the ADTC

As a maximum security correctional facility, the ADTC maintains strict security policies and limitations on inmate privileges. These include:

• Single-person cells with barred doors
• Regimented daily schedule from 6:30am to 9:00pm
• Restricted movement requiring escorts outside housing units
• No internet or computer access
• Monitored phone calls and visitations

Inmates who cause disruptions or fail to comply with programming requirements may be subject to disciplinary confinement. Privileges like recreation time can also be limited for rule violations.

Parole and Release Procedures at the ADTC

In order to be paroled and released from the ADTC, inmates must receive recommendations from:

• Their primary therapists
• Review panels composed of other ADTC therapists
• The Special Classification Review Board
• The New Jersey State Parole Board

This intensive review process ensures inmates have sufficiently progressed in treatment to control criminal sexual behaviors before being released. Inmates who do not obtain approval for parole may transfer to another correctional facility after one year at the ADTC.

Outpatient Treatment After Release

As a condition of parole, ADTC inmates must participate in outpatient sex offender treatment after their release for a period of at least one year. This involves:

• Regular therapy sessions
• Polygraph testing
• Periodic evaluations
• Continued medication management

Inmates are responsible for enrolling with certified sex offender therapists in their home communities to receive this mandatory aftercare treatment.

Controversies and Criticisms of the ADTC

While the ADTC has provided specialized sex offender treatment for decades, it has also garnered significant criticism over the years. Some frequent criticisms include:

• Inadequate staff-to-inmate ratios impacting treatment effectiveness
• Overly stringent parole approval procedures keeping inmates confined longer
• Questionable science behind treatment methods
• Civil rights concerns over mandatory polygraph tests and forced treatment
• Lack of evidence that the ADTC specifically reduces recidivism

Debates over best practices for managing sex offenders continue. But the ADTC remains entrenched as New Jersey’s primary sex offender confinement and treatment facility for now.

Legal Representation is Critical for Sentencing

Given the intensive treatment and restricted conditions at the ADTC, defense attorneys generally advise clients to try avoiding ADTC sentencing if possible. While right for some offenders, the ADTC’s strict policies are not desirable for all.

An experienced sex crimes lawyer can advise if ADTC confinement seems appropriate or if fighting for traditional incarceration is preferable given a defendant’s specific circumstances and charges. Thoroughly understanding the ADTC’s pros and cons is important.

As with any sex offense case, securing knowledgeable legal representation as early as possible is critical for protecting one’s rights and interests.

Conclusion

For four decades, the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Center has provided specialized incarceration and sex offender treatment under New Jersey’s Sex Offender Act. While controversial, it remains the primary option for confinement and mandated therapy of compulsive male sex offenders in the state.

Navigating the sentencing complexities and parole uncertainties surrounding the ADTC requires experienced legal guidance. But its treatment programs provide hope to some offenders seeking to overcome criminal sexual disorders and successfully rejoin society.

References

1
New Jersey Sex Offender Act
2
ADTC Information for Inmates
3
NJ Court Rules on Attorney Conduct