Douglas County Reentry 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.

Douglas County Court House will use the grant funds to help the Douglas County Sheriff's Office expand their Reentry Program to include Reentry Case Management (RCM). The two RCMs will assess 150 sentenced and program eligible inmates on an annual basis. Once assessed, appropriate plans will be developed in collaboration with in-house and community partners and the inmate. These plans may include specific individual and program level interventions and ongoing case management services. Consistent with literature, those identified as having more risks and needs that precipitate or further criminal behavior and/or having greater programming and/or treatment needs will receive the bulk of reentry assistance. The RCMs will review the eligibility of participants for in-house work programs and refer them to follow up with service providers whose interventions are needed for a successful reintegration. Where feasible and based on risk level and identified need, some participants will participate in a work release program that allows for a gradual and supported reentry into the community. Because eligible program participants will serve anywhere from 31 days to 12 months or more in the Douglas County Jail (DCJ), reentry planning will begin at the time of sentencing.

CA/NCF