Detroit Jail-Based Reentry Project (DJBRP)

The Second Chance Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-199) provides a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison and jail into communities and the subsequent challenges communities face as offenders attempt to reintegrate into society. The Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative provides funding to state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes for demonstration projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated. Funded demonstration projects will use validated and dynamic assessment tools to determine the risks and needs of offenders. Projects will provide offenders in prisons or jails with all necessary services to facilitate reentry into the community. In addition, the projects will develop procedures to ensure that dangerous felons are not released from prison prematurely and provide services that address treatment needs and protect communities against dangerous offenders Allowable uses of funds to enhance a successful transition include: pre-release assessment and case planning, mentoring, housing, education, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, services to enhance family reunification, job training and readiness, and post-release case management and supervision.

The Detroit Workforce Development Department (DWDD) will use the grant funds to develop a jail-based reentry project entitled "The Detroit Jail-Based Reentry Project (DJBRP)" for the Wayne County Jail. Michigan parolees who live in Detroit are incarcerated in Wayne County Jails for new non-violent offences and technical parole violations. Due to staffing issues, Wayne County jails are overcrowded. This project will serve 150 inmates (Michigan parolees) and help them to successfully reintegrate into Detroit neighborhoods and enter the labor market. The DJBRP will use actuarial-based assessments for reentry planning, sustained case management, and a comprehensive range of pre- and post release services and interventions. The DWDD will partner with the Wayne County Sheriff Department, the Wayne County Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative (MPRI) Steering Committee, Wayne County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Chance for Life Organization (CFL), the Department of Health and Wellness Promotion (DHWP), and the Detroit Police Department (DPD).

CA/NCF