NCJ Number
230208
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 64-67
Date Published
December 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article profiles two Minnesota offender reentry programs - the Central Minnesota Re-Entry Project (CMNRP) and 180 Degrees, Inc. - which share the common goal of offender reintegration, but approach reentry differently.
Abstract
Five action principles are at the heart of reentry success for both programs: reentry preparation (development of skills and aptitudes that will translate into jobs upon release); building bridges between prisons and communities; viewing the moment of release as the beginning of a rehabilitative process in the community; strengthening the positive supportive ties the offender has in the community; and an emphasis on short-term specific goals. The CMNRP addresses these five principles by establishing an information referral service. This is done by using prerelease planning guides that assist ex-offenders in organizing their thoughts and needs. This facilitates their transition back into the community. The following community support services are provided through CMNRP: shelter and housing, employment, education, clothing, food, and various family services. In addition, the program encourages soon-to-be-released offenders to take advantage of educational, treatment, and transitional programs for which they are qualified. The program 180 Degrees was incorporated in 1971 as the dream of Robbie Robinson, a man who spent 20 years of his adult life in and out of prison. Under this program, 34 male parolees live together in a three-story house in Minneapolis for the purpose of improving their odds of succeeding outside of prison during a 60-day period. Within this period, residents must maintain sobriety; obtain employment; and find approved, adequate housing. Approximately 67 percent of the residential clients find employment and housing, and the remaining 34 percent either abscond (16 percent), technically violate their parole conditions, transfer to another residential program, or are returned to prison. 19 notes