Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2023, $498,500)
The New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) proposes to enhance services for individuals that are at high risk of recidivism in DOC custody, as reentry services represent a critical need for those in the departmental care. Research shows programming that addresses criminogenic needs can have a significant impact on recidivism rates. The purpose of this project is to provide intensive services to incarcerated individuals at high risk of recidivism. Project activities include identifying individuals who are at high risk of recidivism and providing intensive services to these individuals. Discharge planners will serve at least 70 individuals a year by identifying their needs and developing a service plan. These planners will engage high risk detainees to address their criminogenic needs through motivational interviewing to strengthen individuals’ motivation for and movement toward specific goals by eliciting and exploring their desire to make positive changes. Discharge planners will facilitate group interventions via evidence-based curricula that address topics including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, anger management, Seeking Safety Trauma-Informed curriculum, and relapse prevention, among others. They will also work with community-based organizations to refer individuals who needs assistance with discharge planning and post-release services, including housing, employment, and access to public benefits. Planners will provide more intensive support by increasing the frequency of 1:1 sessions to those individuals who display challenges when meeting their goals or those who have been getting involved in behaviors that hinder their progress. The Department plans to measure success by monitoring discharge planner’s completion of service plans with people in custody, individuals’ engagement in individualized services, incident-involvement, and recidivism in the community.