NCJ Number
250398
Date Published
September 2009
Length
47 pages
Annotation
After examining the transitional needs of persons reentering their rural communities from prisons and jails, this handbook provides guidance on how community corrections agencies in rural areas, where incomes and housing are limited, can establish partnerships that aid in housing recently released parolees and their families.
Abstract
In its introductory comments, the handbook notes that it is not intended to dictate a course of action, but rather to stimulate consideration and collaboration in addressing housing needs of parolees and their families upon reentry to rural communities. The handbook suggests various strategies for partnering parolees' families with resource agencies for support in the reentry process. This includes strategies for broad-based collaboration that address the need for affordable housing. Information is provided on housing laws and policies that impact those involved in the justice system in rural areas. Information is also provided on rural housing programs and low-income housing tax credits. The handbook serves as a resource for housing professionals, as it provides information on the potential benefits and challenges in housing families involved in the justice system. This includes a discussion of opportunities for collaboration with community corrections agencies in rural communities where housing options are limited. A major feature of the handbook is the profiling of a project by Family Justice, which launched a pilot project with the Arkansas Department of Community Correction that is addressing the following factors: rurality, poverty, high rates of prisoner reentry, and the prevalence of housing issues in a group of contiguous Arkansas counties. A significant component of this project is the leadership provided by a work group composed of rural housing developers and representatives from corrections, community corrections, rural public housing authorities, community-based organizations, and academics who specialize in rural issues. 54 endnotes