This link is intended to provide general information about the Department of Corrections Pre Release and Reentry Program. The Pre Release and Reentry Program offers’ information to inmates about life enrichment classes, community resources and reentry services that is available throughout the State. This program provides an opportunity for inmates to gain basic living skills on how to successfully transition back into the community after release from corrections. Information is also provided on the following “HOW TO’S”:

• Access immediate food, clothing and shelter
• Obtain a driver's license or personal identification card
• Access faith based mentoring and support
• Obtain medical and/or dental care
• Access substance abuse treatment and mental health services
• Look for job placement, vocational training and career development
• Re-establish parental rights and child custody

“Reentry begins at the point of entry”. Nationally, the term reentry from a Criminal Justice perspective has received an enormous amount of attention. A huge emphasis is being placed on “discharge planning”, “aftercare programs”, and “pre release”. All of which are synonymous with preparing an incarcerated offender for reentry back into the community. The Department of Corrections is making great strides in this area to develop a program that assists with this process. The proposed reentry model currently under development aims to:

• Increase public safety
• Decrease prison overcrowding and recidivism rates
• Reunite parents and children
• Offer community referral linkages to inmates and ex-offenders
• Decrease public health and social disparities within the offender population
  

Institutional Pre Release and Reentry Services Criteria for Participation

• EOS Inmates
• Probationers
• Parole Candidates
• SRP Candidates

The reentry program also aims to provide transitional case management services. Transitional case management will consist of identifying an inmates basic and technical needs and linking him with targeted resources prior to his release. If an inmate’s primary needs for survival are initially addressed (including food, clothing and shelter), he/she will have a greater success in obtaining a job, establishing a career and maintaining a crime free quality of life.

• Re-Entry Overview
• Re-Entry Resources (links to other agencies and services)
• Re-Entry Contacts (contact a facility representative)