NCJ Number
185794
Journal
Sheriff Volume: 52 Issue: 6 Dated: November-December 2000 Pages: 18-19
Editor(s)
Mike Terault
Date Published
November 2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article examines Federal initiatives to assist communities in helping offenders toward self-sufficiency and away from recidivism.
Abstract
One initiative aimed at offender reintegration is the "reentry court" model. Jailed offenders go through the court before they are released. They are informed of services that can help them stay on track after their release as well as sanctions for participants who do not take the process seriously. Once released, participants are monitored by the court to see if they are living up to the conditions of the reentry plan. Partnerships with providers of services such as family counseling, life-skills training, and substance abuse counseling may be important components of post-release assistance. Another critical issue is people with mental illnesses who get caught up in the criminal justice system. The Office of Justice Programs is collaborating with the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute of Corrections on initiatives that would help improve assessment and treatment of mentally ill offenders, especially those housed in detention facilities.