New Start Reentry Program working with incarcerated individuals prior to release from a correctional facility. Participants to receive pre-release amd post release services and supports.

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Legal Name and Project Title: Family Resource Center South Atlantic - New Start Program

Geographic Location: Johnston and Warren Counties

Correctional Partner Agency is a state entity

Purpose, Goals and Deliverables:  Despite many initiatives to improve the reentry system, North Carolina’s recidivism rate among ex-offenders released from prison remain at 40%. Working closely with NC Department of Public Safety, Family Resource Center South Atlantic proposes to expand and implement our New Start program to Johnston and Warren Counties. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement a comprehensive and collaborative reentry program with a goal to reduce recidivism by 30% among target participants by providing necessary service and supports identified by an Individual Case Plan.  

Workplan Deliverables: 1) Completion of Planning and Implementation Guide during the planning phase; 2) Working in agreement with state correctional agency and local law enforcement agencies; 3) Utilizing a validated Risk Assessment; 4) Incorporating Cognitive Based Programming; 5) Serving 100 medium to high risk ex-offenders 18 years or older returning; 6) Working to reduce baseline recidivism rate; 7) Conducting a plan to measure outcomes for at least 12-months following release; and 8) Increase capacity of community program partners to work with returning citizens.

Outcome Deliverables: 1. Reduce recidivism by 30% among participants; 2. Improve access to medical/mental and substance abuse services among 75% of clients needing service; 3. Coordinate access to housing assistance to at least 50% of eligible participants; 4. At least 30% of eligible participants enrolled in GED/Vocational; 5. At least 75% of participants will obtain employment; 6. At least 40% of clients receive mentoring support; and 7. At least 70% complete program successfully.

Description of project design: The program will work with participants prior to release from a correctional facility. Program staff will begin pre-release services, conduct assessments, develop an individual service plan and begin linkages to appropriate community services. Post release services include cognitive behavioral intervention, peer mentoring support, career and employment focus skill building, supportive services referral, education assistance, vocational/occupational training, family support and case management. The program leverages existing personnel resources and works with several local, state and community/faith-based agencies that provide supportive services like mental health, substance abuse, legal services, housing referral and other need-based services.

Priority Considerations that have been met:

1. Application address specific challenges that rural communities face

2. Application demonstrates that the individuals who are intended to benefit from the request reside in a high poverty area.

3. Application includes a plan to implement activities that have been demonstrated effective in facilitating the successful reentry of offenders.