Establishing Community-Based Safety Nets for At-Risk Populations ...

1. Establishing Community-Based Safety Nets for At-Risk Populations: NC DOC Transition & Reentry Model Roshanna Singley Parker Office of Research and Planning NC Department of Correction

3. Are Offenders �At-Risk�? Yes. High rates of unemployment Homelessness Substance Use/Abuse Chronic illnesses and health problems Low educational attainment Weak family ties Re-offending

4. Why is this an issue? Economic issue Public safety issue Health issue Family issue Community Issue

5. NC DOC Release Overview 2002 - 2003= 22,638 2003 - 2004= 20,228 2004 - 2005 = 24,618 2005 � 2006 = 26,457 2006 � 2007 = 27,091

6. NC DOC Offender Population At-A-Glance Division of Prisons 78 institutions 38,681 inmates Males � 35, 903 Females � 2,778 Division of Community Corrections 117,418 Males � 90, 182 Females � 27, 236 Estimates of > 45,00 by 2010

7. NC DOC Internal Divisions Division of Prisons Division of Community Corrections Division of Alcoholism & Chemical Dependency Programs Correction Enterprise Post Release Supervision & Parole Commission Office of Victim Services Central Engineering

8. Office of Transition Services (OTS) Newly created office located within the Office of Research & Planning Serves as the coordinator of Departmental transition and reentry efforts Oversees internal points of contact with representation from each division

9. Role of OTS Create a seamless system of transition and reentry by coordinating efforts internally and externally through recommendations on new and existing policies, procedures and practices Serve as a liaison for community organizations, state and local agencies and other partnerships involved in offender transition and reentry Raise awareness about offender transition and reentry through the dissemination of educational information and resource materials

10. Role of OTS (cont�d) Provide training and technical assistance through the use of Evidence Based Practice, research and model transition and reentry programs Identify and share information regarding existing resources Pursue funding for demonstration projects that address transition and reentry barriers, gaps in services and/or develop new programs and initiatives

11. Major Focus Areas Transition & Reentry Policy Recommendations Training & Education on Evidence Based Practices Resource Inventory Local Network Development & Capacity Building Technical Assistance on transition & reentry efforts and specific issues

12. Local Network Development & Capacity Building Identifying existing service providers Educate community on the needs of offenders Provide access to offenders prior to release Establish relationships/teams or NCDOC and other community partners

13. Provide supportive network for formerly incarcerated person once supervision ends Build capacity of community and local partners to provide supportive network Promote and cultivate relationships among the community and network partners Conduct training and provide technical assistance for capacity building in the community NCDOC Role in Establishing the Safety Net

14. Additional Components for Supportive Networks Provide opportunities for offenders to improve their socioeconomic conditions, i.e. education & training Establish comprehensive and coordinated medical, mental health and substance abuse services Entrepreneurial opportunities

16. Key Areas of Support for Offenders Employment Housing SA Treatment MH Treatment Education Vocational Training Transportation Identification/Documentation ID, SS Card, Birth Certificate, DD 214, Disability paperwork, etc Family Reunification Child Support Resume Licensures and Certifications Restoration of Rights Voting Rights, etc

18. Community Transition/Reentry Challenges Lack of understanding of department policies and procedures Lack of consistent point of contact at the local level Funding for programs to provide aftercare services Inconsistent communication and information sharing among community partners

19. The ultimate challenge to the reintegration process occurs in the community during the third phase. The community and local partners who will assume primary responsibility in this stage must be increasingly involved in the process as it progresses, ensuring continuity of support leading to offender reintegration. Reintegration Culminates in the Community

20. Reintegration & Community

21. Initial Target Countiesfor OTS Wake Mecklenburg Guilford Forsyth Durham New Hanover Buncombe Cumberland Rowan Pitt Gaston Alamance Wayne Davidson Cabarrus

22. OTS Region Map

23. R&P/OTS Staff Roshanna Parker � (919) 716-3089 Correctional Research & Evaluation Analyst rparker@doc.state.nc.us Anthony Reggi � (919) 716-3098 Community Development Project Manager arr03@doc.state.nc.us Monica Artis � (919) 716-3091 Community Development Specialist martis@doc.state.nc.us Vincent Gaddy � (919) 716-3096 Community Development Specialist vgaddy@doc.state.nc.us