NCJ Number
244526
Date Published
September 2013
Length
102 pages
Annotation
This final report of the Baltimore City Jail Reentry Strategies Project describes its efforts to work collaboratively with the Mayor's Office, representatives of the Maryland Department of Public Safety, and Correctional Services in incorporating evidence-based strategies in the proposed jail reentry model - based on a literature review, data collection, and other statistical reports that helped in determining inmate characteristics and length of stay.
Abstract
The proposed reentry model has a number of tracks based on level of risk and length of stay. The tracks include the provision of resource information to all those who are released within 48 hours, regardless of risk level; staff guidance for inmates and detainees in developing a reentry plan; in-reach by community service providers for those designated as medium risk who remain in the facility for more than 31 days; a comprehensive assessment of all those categorized as high risk; and development of a reentry plan to meet identified risks/needs. The report advises that implementing and maintaining this comprehensive reentry plan will require effort, investment, and leadership. Challenges for implementation include limited resources, staff resistance, and cultural perspectives that undermine the integration of ex-inmates into mainstream socioeconomic opportunities. The motivation for pursuing this difficult project is to affirm the value of each individual admitted to the Baltimore City Jail, which includes providing opportunities for a better life upon reentry to the community. 13 tables, 25 figures, 18 references, and appended details on products and tools of the project