Multiple strategies exist to accomplish the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services' mission: 'Keep people safe.' The act of incarceration and removal from the community is only the first step.

Rehabilitation is a key component to keep people safe. It includes clinical treatment, non-clinical (cognitive/behavioral) programming, education, vocational and life skills training and engagement in pro-social activities. Planning ahead for release is necessary for successful reentry into the community and includes social work services for high needs individuals and intentional reentry planning for all individuals. 

The determination for placement into programming is based on the results of a comprehensive Risk/Needs/Responsivity (RNR) assessment administered upon admission and at regular intervals throughout a person's incarceration. The RNR assesses a person's risk to reoffend, the needs that, if met, may mitigate the risk and the person's willingness and readiness to change. Placement into clinical treatment includes a review of the RNR along with clinical assessments administered by licensed professionals.