NCJ Number
209489
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 67 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 98-100
Date Published
April 2005
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings and recommendations from the Re-Entry Policy Council (RPC) to assist ex-offenders succeed in their communities.
Abstract
The Re-Entry Policy Council (RPC) was established in 2001 to develop specific, bipartisan recommendations that would reflect the expertise of a broad spectrum of stakeholders from across the United States to promote safe and successful inmate reentry. The recommendations of the RPC, presented in a report, provide a powerful basis for collaborative efforts in any jurisdiction. The findings of the RPC are divided into three parts: (1) planning a reentry initiative; (2) review of the reentry process; and (3) elements of effective health and social service systems. Several strategies are presented and serve as a step toward building meaningful, collaborative solutions to reduce public spending and ensure the safe and successful return of inmates to the community. These strategies include: (1) engage a policymaker or key official to an inmate reentry initiative; (2) focus interest in reentry on a particular aspect of the problem; (3) determine how to address an obstacle that has impeded an offender’s safe transition to the community; (4) assess comprehensiveness of an existing reentry effort; (5) find out what other jurisdictions are doing; (6) learn about relevant research; (7) advocate for change; (8) respond to public pressure generated by a recent tragedy; and (9) educate the media. 1 endnote