Women's Therapeutic Residential Center

The Women's Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC), located in Henning, is a time-building prison focused on behavioral therapy within a residential community environment.  With an operating capacity of 1,036 inmates, WTRC houses female offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to medium.

WTRC opened in 2016 and is situated within Site 1 of the West Tennessee State Penitentiary.  This facility follows a modified therapeutic community model, creating a highly structured setting and emphasizing peer interaction for personal growth and transformation.

WTRC offers its population a variety of evidence-based programs to meet the rehabilitative needs of offenders.  Offenders have access to Adult Basic Education (ABE), and vocational programming including Career Management for Success, Core Carpentry I & II, Culinary Arts, and Cosmetology.  WTRC also addresses the behavioral health needs of inmates with programs such as the cognitive behavior intervention program, a mental health supportive living unit, substance use group therapy, substance use therapeutic community, workforce development, and victim impact classes.

Through community partnerships, WTRC offers:

• Associate degree program through Dyersburg State Community College
• Liberal Arts certificate through Rhodes College
• Certification in Building Information Technology and Computer Information Technology through Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT)
• Industry call center, providing job opportunities for offenders at both the main prison and the transition center through Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR)
• Computer programming class through Persevere

WTRC is also home to the nationally recognized child visitation program, allowing children between the ages of three months and 10 years old to spend the weekend with their incarcerated mother or grandmother at the facility - promoting family reunification.

Offenders not involved in academic or vocational programs are required to work in support service roles throughout the prison including landscaping, janitorial services, or food services.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the Women's Therapeutic Residential Center.