NCJ Number
205861
Date Published
2003
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This chapter identifies and discusses issues related to improving services for incarcerated offenders or those recently released from prison.
Abstract
Although offenders are a diverse population, many have some common characteristics, such as low income, limited education, disrupted home and family life, inadequate job skills and employment experience, and alcohol or drug addiction. Aside from medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment, service requirements for those reentering the community after release from prison pertain to immediate basic needs (food, shelter, and clothing), ongoing personal support, housing, education, employment, and legal assistance. Also, inmates who have been imprisoned for long terms may experience a form of culture shock related to significant changes that may have occurred within their interpersonal networks or communities during their absence. Since prison rates of HIV and confirmed AIDS cases are five times the rates in the U.S. general population, many returning ex-inmates with HIV infection or full-blown AIDS will need considerable health care and social support. These multiple needs of ex-offenders reentering their families and communities require comprehensive and coordinated services by many agencies. This involves reducing service fragmentation, the provision of more holistic services, the identification of gaps in service delivery, the mitigation of barriers to obtaining services, and the conserving of institutional resources. In discussing the building of partnerships to improve services integration, quality of care, and outcomes for individuals, families, and communities, the chapter provides guidance for organizing to support internal and external collaboration, convening cross-jurisdictional and multiorganizational meetings and training, sharing information critical for effective decisionmaking and service provision, and thinking creatively about resources. 9 notes and 30 references