High-Risk Offender Release Revocation Reduction Project

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 Minnesota Department of Corrections (MDOC) will use their FY 10 grant funds to support the "High-Risk Revocation Reduction" project. This demonstration project will focus on Release Violators returning to the metropolitan area counties of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey. The most common violations include absconding from supervision, failing to abstain from chemicals or alcohol, and leaving the state without permission. The MDOC will engage about 150 of the state's highest risk offenders and provide continuous case management and targeted interventions. These interventions will include victim impact, domestic violence, and chemical dependency programming, in addition to comprehensive services. Also, a community reentry hub will pilot centralized resource sharing and one-stop advocacy.

CA/NCF