Second Chance Program

Little Dixie Community Action Agency, Inc. is a 501C 3 nonprofit who is applying to the Office of Justice Programs/Bureau of Justice Assistance for a Second Chance Act: Adult Reentry funding opportunity under Category 3 – Improving Substance Use Services and Supports for Adults with Substance Use Disorders.  The proposed program will provide pre and post release services to inmates and formerly incarcerated individuals in a very rural, high-poverty area consisting of three counties in Southeast Oklahoma.   At the end of the three-year period of performance, 270 inmates will have received case management, cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and other evidence-based programming and services designed to reduce recidivism, and promote public safety and health.  This will be accomplished via a Memorandum of Understanding with the Choctaw, McCurtain and Pushmataha County Sheriff Offices and/or Jails as well as with the Probation and Parole offices for this same geographical area.  Inmates will be screened and assessed using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) survey instrument which effectively  assesses individuals in several areas and measures how need for treatment changes over time.  Other partners who have committed to the project include service providing agencies such as counselors, psychologists and others whose services will further enhance the program and increase participants success. The evidence based curriculum, A New Direction, has been selected as the source for much of the cognitive behavioral component of the program.  It consists of seven Workbooks which use a strengths-based instructional approach with inclusive language and Grade 6 readability. Each contains quick review exercises to reinforce lessons, reflection exercises that bridge content with real-life experience, and Thinking Reports to ensure treatment methods are part of ongoing aftercare.  The Second Chance Staff will consist of a Part Time Program Supervisor, one full time program director and two full time case manager specialists.  In addition to facilitating the delivery of the New Direction curriculum, Second Chance staff will work with law enforcement agenicies, correctional facilities and relevant service providers to link participants to the services they need to increase their chance of success. In addition,  LDCAA, as the lead applicant will address challenges and barriers by providing transportation, life skills training, and other services as necessary.