NCJ Number
205261
Date Published
March 2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After emphasizing the importance of effective reintegration programs for released inmates, this paper lists the features of successful reintegration programs and then describes a reintegration program for high-risk juvenile offenders in Indiana.
Abstract
An effective reintegration program should have an overall coordinating mechanism that links ex-offenders with available community resources according to individual case plans. Case planning should begin while the offender is in prison and then continue during the transition back into the community. There should be services that help ex-offenders provide adequate housing and employment opportunities. Support groups should include the faith community and other ex-offenders who can serve as mentors and/or support group facilitators. Aggressive case management should oversee the implementation of the case plan. The community should be informed about the issues facing ex-offenders and the community benefits of facilitating successful reintegration. There should be an ongoing evaluation to document the impact of reintegration efforts. A reintegration program entitled Aftercare by IUPUI (Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis) through Mentoring (AIM) is designed to aid in the successful transition and reintegration of high-risk juvenile offenders released from secure confinement. The program uses mentors, life-skills training, and the identification and facilitation of linkages between community resources and the youths. AIM has contributed to 80 percent employment of participants after release and a 63-percent reduction in reincarceration compared with nonparticipants. 1 figure