The Department of Corrections begins preparing offenders for release from the day they enter the prison system. That begins with assessments in Receiving & Orientation, where inmates’ education, treatment and life skills needs are evaluated. It continues as staff help inmates set goals for their recovery, rehabilitation and skill development so they will have the tools they need to lead a successful, crime-free life when they return to the community — as 95 percent of offenders do.
Below you’ll find overviews of the various evaluations and programs available to inmates during their incarceration.
Reentry Planning
The Division believes reentry planning begins on day one of incarceration.
Case Management
Reducing recidivism is a team effort that requires synchronizing individualized and targeted interventions at the right time and in the right place.
Substance Use Treatment
The Division offers a comprehensive continuum of rehabilitation services.
Sex Offense Treatment
The Division offers a myriad of services for persons who have sexually offended.
Education
Incarcerated individuals, on average, are less educated than the general population. Many lack basic literacy...
Library
The purpose of libraries is to provide high quality library services and materials that satisfy the educational, therapeutic and recreational needs of incarcerated individuals.
Religious
UDC is able to meet the spiritual needs of inmates while maintaining a separation of church and state.
Greenhouse
The goal of the Nursery Program has always been, first and foremost, to develop and advance successful individuals who can contribute to...
Ethnic Minority Resource
The EMRO works with underserved populations by guiding them in optimizing therapeutic treatment services, mental health assistance, educational...
Volunteer Programs
A variety of programs offered at the state’s two prisons rely on volunteer help.
Reentry and Rehabilitation Director
Dan Chesnut
Dan Chesnut, a 20-plus year veteran of the Utah Department of Corrections, was named Director of the new Division of Reentry and Rehabilitation in November 2023.
Chesnut has worked for the Department since 1996, working in the Training Academy. In 2001, he became and Adult Probation and Parole Agent involved in the initial implementation of the Drug Offender Reform Act (or DORA). He was promoted to supervisor in AP&P in 2008, and then again as an AP&P Assistant Regional Administrator in 2011 responsible for the Bonneville Community Correctional Center operations.
He served as Director of the Inmate Placement Program, followed by leading the Division of Prison Operations before being named to his current role.
Chesnut has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.