Reentry:A Community Based

Strategy

Overview

Brief History of Community Programs

Over the last two decades there has been substantial growth in community programs mostly in response to prison overcrowding.

In 1988 there were less than 200 beds in a handful of facilities.

Today NJ has over 3,500 beds in more than 30 residential programs serving both inmates and parolees.

There are 12 Day Reporting Center programs serving 750 parolees.

Over 11,270 adult offenders are served annually.

Community Programs are Statewide

Atlantic City Bridgeton Camden Elizabeth Galloway Hamilton Twp. Irvington Jersey City Kearney

Neptune Newark New Brunswick Paterson Perth Amboy Plainfield Trenton Vineland

More than 40 Community Programs Exist in NJ

● Residential Community Release Programs

● Halfway Back

● Reentry Substance Abuse Programs

● Parole Aftercare Transitional Housing

● Program for Returning Offenders with Mental Illness Safely and Effectively

● Mutual Agreement Programs

● Day Reporting Centers

● Youth Automotive training Center - NCC in Newark

● Project Reconnect - Essex County College One Stop

NJ’s Programs are Based on Best Practices

Residential

Employment

DRC

Specialized Programs for Women

Outcomes

NJ Defies National Trends

Prison population reduced by 14% (Philadelphia Inquirer – May 2006)

Two studies of community based programs in NJ demonstrate a more than 30% reduction in recidivism.

Community programs save $30 per day compared to prison beds.

Parole programs save more than $20 million dollars a year compared to the cost of incarceration.

Community Programs Save Tax Dollars

Changing Lives . . .

Recommendations

How Can NJ Improve Reentry

Prioritize treatment and rehabilitation throughcommunity based programs:

Managing the transition home is best done by community corrections providers. The existing community based resources should be utilized as the cornerstone of the Governor’s reentry initiative.

Recognize that reentry begins at entry. The DOC inmate classification system needs to be based on risk and need. All low risk, low need offenders should be placed in a reentry program to manage the transition home.

How Can NJ Improve Reentry (continued)

All inmates, including the current max-out population, should transition to the community through community based programs.

Implement the recommendations of the Reentry Roundtable.

Evaluate the need for community corrections legislation or administrative code to secure the infrastructure that is working to serve more than 11,000 offenders each year

Remove barriers placed on violent offenders in community programs.

How Can NJ Improve Reentry (continued)

Sound social policy regarding reentry promotes economic development. Create a partnership between prison industries, the DOL and community programs.

Create an effective strategy for housing homeless offenders.

Create more programs for offenders with special needs.

Improve and maximize the existing medical services provided to offenders.

Establish a permanent reentry policy council to oversee the implementation of the above recommended changes.

Discussion