Reentry demonstration program for local probationers reentering the community from local jail custody.

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.

County of Santa Cruz will use the FY 2010 grant funds for the reentry demonstration program for local probationers reentering the community from local jail custody. The Santa Cruz County criminal justice system, like many jurisdictions in California and throughout the country, has struggled with the combined problems of an ever-rising jail population and an intractable recidivism rate among high-risk offenders. The proposed project, "Recidivism Reduction Through Research-Based Rehabilitation and Reentry (R5)," will combine actuarial-based risk and needs assessment, evidence-based practice, multi-disciplinary case management, extensive reentry planning and preparation. This initiative will provide services that will address criminogenic needs in the areas of employment, housing, substance abuse, anti-social thinking/behavior, gang affiliation, education, and positive social supports. The R5 is an advanced collaboration between nine governmental agencies and community-based non-profit service providers. Thorough evaluation will provide on-going feedback, document implementation, and provide support for efforts to sustain and replicate project strategies which are shown effective.

CA/NCF