Front Line: Building Programs that Recognize Families' Role in Reentry

• NCJ Number: 206980
• Author(s): Mike Bobbitt; Marta Nelson
• Date Published: September 2004
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: New York Division of Parole
• Sale Source: Vera Institute of Justice; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded on September 23, 2004.

Annotation

In exploring how family involvement in reentry can aid in a more successful transition from prison to the community and provide better recidivism results, this paper examines innovative correctional programs across the country.

Abstract

From lessons learned from other fields of study, such as alcohol and drug abuse treatment, there is solidity in the theory that family engagement can produce better outcomes at reentry. For many men and women transitioning back to the community from prison, family members are whom they turn to for assistance and these family members become the “front line” of their reentry. This paper examines the trend towards providing family-focused reentry programming in prison and in the community and highlights ways in which jurisdictions can structure their efforts and address the challenges involved. In providing an examination of such efforts, the paper presents an overview and description of Project Greenlight, a partnership with the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) and the Division of Parole that includes family-focused services in a prison-based reentry pilot program. Project participants are adult-males incarcerated for a variety of offenses and are transferred to a prison in New York City 2 months prior to release. It explores ways that family members can support the person coming home. In establishing a family-focused reentry program there are issues that need to be addressed: (1) timing and location--will the intervention be pre-release, post-release, or both and where will it take place; (2) together or separate--will the program sessions with the families and person leaving prison be separate program sessions; (3) the engagement of family reentry program participation; and (4) defining, identifying, and engaging family members. With assistance, families can provide critical material and emotional support during reentry, as well as become powerful partners to government, specifically probation and parole. 18 Endnotes