Wisconsin Tribal Community Reintegration Program

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. Projects will continue use validated and dynamic assessment tools to determine the risks and needs of offenders and provide offenders in prisons or jails with all necessary services to facilitate reentry into the community. In addition, the projects will continue to develop procedures to ensure that dangerous felons are not released from prison prematurely 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 Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin will continue to operate the Wisconsin Tribal Community Reintegration Program (WTCRP). The FY 2012 supplemental SCA grant funds will allow the grantee to continue to work with offenders from all correctional institutions within the state of Wisconsin. The primary goals of the program are to serve eligible individuals, decrease the recidivism rate and reduce h revocation rate for American Indians, and provide a seamless transition for adult ex-offenders from the Wisconsin prison system to their tribal community. Once released, the offenders will be provided services to help them succeed using the services and resources that have been identified by WTCRP staff. These resources will range from mental health services, employment, housing, cultural capabilities, transportation, and other services that are specific to each Tribal Community.

NCA/NCF