The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast · The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

Spotlight on SCI Albion’s NRTU

March 28, 2023·22 min·2 clips

Ryan Tarkowski reveals how a new prison unit addresses autism, affecting 1 in 44 children.

This episode of The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast spotlights SCI Albion's Neurodevelopmental Residential Treatment Unit (NRTU). Host Ryan Tarkowski and executive producer Kurt Boe interview Stephen Salawata, the manager of this specialized unit. The conversation coincides with Autism Awareness Month, noting autism now affects 1 in 44 children. Stephen Salawata explains the NRTU was designed to treat incarcerated individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental diagnoses. The unit's development process began in October 2021, starting with a block of custody level four general population inmates. Modifications were made to the unit after relocating those initial inmates. The unit was then slowly populated with individuals already at Albion who met the specific clinical criteria. Salawata states the unit became necessary as the Department of Corrections began to see more individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities enter the system. He identifies this population as particularly vulnerable within the correctional environment. The unit represents a deliberate and slow build, focusing on creating a tailored treatment environment. Salawata implies the standard prison setting is not adequately equipped to meet the unique needs of these individuals. The initiative suggests a recognition within the Pennsylvania DOC of a growing need for specialized housing. The process involved both physical modifications to the housing unit and a careful selection process for residents. The tone is informational and institutional, highlighting a departmental program. The style is a straightforward interview focused on operational details and program origins. This episode would interest professionals in corrections, behavioral health, and disability services. Listeners seeking narrative drama or critical analysis of the prison system might find it too procedural.

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