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Correction of behavior and a better life are the purposes of sending people to prison.

Unfortunately, incarceration often plays out like a hereditary disease. Those imprisoned once show a predisposition towards being incarcerated again. Reentry programs help prevent recidivism and allow clients to become integrated, productive members of society.

These programs focus on breaking down barriers recently incarcerated individuals might encounter and helping them find employment, affordable housing, healthcare, and family support. Because reentry is not a simple process and has so many facets, it involves several people to design effective reentry plans for offenders, each of whom is unique in their:

• life experiences before prison
• offenses they were incarcerated for
• ages at which they went to prison
• family and support structures
• needs after completing their sentences
• preferences for their future lives

This means an off-the-shelf, one-size-fits-all plan would not work. Caseworkers must dedicate much effort to collecting and analyzing all relevant data to develop effective reentry plans. To break the cycle of recidivism and support positive transition back into communities, you need a comprehensivereentry case managementsoftware that you can count on.

The Reentry process

Reentry is when a person in correctional confinement prepares for release and transitions into the community. We can view reentry processes on a continuum ranging from risk and needs assessment at intake, program, treatment, and educational attainment during Incarceration, case planning for release, and post-release supervision and reintegration.

Research suggests it is crucial to focus on cognitive and behavioral skills, substance use, mental and physical health, and issues surrounding housing, employment, and family bonds as individuals reintegrate into their communities and families. Family members frequently support loved ones as they reenter, often providing a consistent place of residence after reentry. The consideration of gender differences is also essential when addressing individual needs. Men and women face different challenges during reentry, especially regarding childcare, housing, employment, and mental health.

Matching supervision style and the frequency and intensity of programming with a person’s criminogenic risk and needs helps promote positive reentry. For example, lower-risk individuals should not be subjected to overly stringent surveillance and supervision requirements as this may exacerbate recidivism.

Rearrest is considered the most common and observable measure of recidivism across the justice system. Yet, it is a relatively poor indicator of how an individual is faring in their post-release experience. It is not a credible measure of culpability owing to lack of due process, and the risk of arrest can vary by community and personal demographics.

Why are Reentry programs necessary?

Reentry programs are critical in ensuring offenders can move from prisons to communities by navigating challenges related to skill set and job placement. Acquiring skills and training will allow previously incarcerated people to be recruited for and adequately perform jobs. This is particularly important for offenders getting out of prison after longer sentences, as they may have low skills and need case managers’ assistance to get jobs.

Programs for reentry also seek to improve public safety. With nearly two million adults incarcerated in state prisons and local jails, the costs of maintaining those facilities are increasing. Nationally, two out of every three people released from state prisons are rearrested for a new offense, and about half are reincarcerated within three years. This trend leads to a higher percentage of people housed in correction facilities. Reducing recidivism is critical for increasing long-term public safety and lowering corrections costs for states.

The elements of successful reentry programs

Public agencies and partner organizations can utilize their resources more effectively to create reentry programs for incarcerated individuals with the best possible outcomes. The following strategies can help you better support the prison population by cultivating a successful, evidence-based reentry program.

• Start reentry programs before release dates.
  Many organizations and government agencies have predominantly focused on release rather than pre-release programs, which have significant benefits. As theFederal Bureau of Prisonsphilosophy states, “Release preparation begins the first day of incarceration.” The Federal Bureau of Prisons also suggests intensifying release preparation at least 18 months before departure to help incarcerated individuals focus on their transition.
  
  Successful reentry programs for incarcerated individuals rely on more than just helping individuals find jobs and housing after Incarceration. It also requires helping them embrace a positive outlook on life byaddressing mental health issues, mentoring, offering educational opportunities and job training, and connecting them with community resources. Most, if not all, of these things can and should begin long before a person’s release date.
• Provide fair treatment
  A comprehensive report released by theCouncil for State Governments Justice Centermakes a strong case that employment programs should move beyond traditional services. The Council recommends addressing individuals’ underlying attitudes about crime and work, making them more likely to succeed in getting and keeping jobs. The Council also suggests individualizing treatment plans and job readiness screenings while incarcerated individuals are still in prison.
• Make changes in the probation framework
  According to the National Institute of Corrections, the Risk-Needs-Responsivity (RNR) framework can reduce recidivism by tailoring probation programs to the personal needs of previously incarcerated individuals.
  
  Programs should first assess an individual’s risks based on age, arrest history, and offense severity. A needs assessment survey evaluates any ongoing behavioral treatment or mental health history that may increase the chances of recidivism. After these assessments, case managers can alter the intensity of treatment each individual requires.
• Implement evidence-based policies
  With the advent of tracking tools and reentry software, government agencies can implement national standards, resulting in increased reporting and improved outcomes from their programs and community partners.
  
  By taking an evidence-based approach, programs can save states millions of dollars and help incarcerated individuals get back on their feet. Given the vast data needed for reentry programs and the distinct plans required for each individual, having robust software to manage case plans is necessary.

Features of reentry software

An effective reentry software will:

• Review ongoing data collected in real-time
• Prepare for pre-parole risk and needs board reviews
• Perform risk assessments to determine the level of supervision needed
• Assess needs to align clients with the correct service providers for education, job seeking, and housing
• Assess needs for treatment plans
• Collaborate with service providers to ensure clients receive what they need to create a positive outcome.

Benefits of using reentry software

Case management is a critical component of the success of any inmate reentry program. A program can only be successful if it can monitor, record, and assess each person’s progress toward societal reentry. Software specifically designed for reentry programs can dramatically improve an agency’s chances of success. Successful Reentry programs, in turn, have several benefits for the community.

1. Increased Employment Opportunities
   Reentry programs aim to reduce employment barriers so ex-offenders can find work once they are released. Stable jobs can help lessen other concerns that can lead to re-incarnation. A comprehensive reentry software will allow caseworkers to align positions with individuals.

2. Preventing Homelessness
   A former prisoner can avoid re-offending if they find a stable job and a home. Reentry programs aid in developing practical approaches that improve outcomes for people who use rehabilitative and homeless services regularly, thereby preventing homelessness and criminal activity. Reentry software will allow available homes to be shown within the software so case managers can properly assign them.

3. Improving Health Concerns
   From jails to society, there is frequently a lack of healthcare treatment. Reentry programs can guarantee that the health reforms dramatically expand the availability of appropriate behavioral and medical health services to former prisoners.

4. Improved Public Safety
   When prisoners are released, they are most vulnerable to falling into old patterns that can lead them to commit another crime. With proper social and healthcare services provided, the likelihood of re-offending is reduced, which benefits both the economy and public safety.

PlanStreet offers holistic solutions to problems faced by caseworkers in reentry programs

With PlanStreet, you get the following:

• Centralized and Up-to-Date Data Insights
• Personalized Reporting and Case Plan Builder
• Detailed Program Progress and Attendance Tracking
• Intuitive Client Meeting Documentation
• Holistic Risk and Needs Analysis
• Comprehensive Assessment Measures
• Customizable Document Library
• Reliable Security and Encryption

These benefits will improve the efficiency and impact of your reentry programs. To manage the heavy data load of case management for reentry cases, choose PlanStreet to streamline your operations and enhance impact.

To learn more about how PlanStreet’s customizable software can optimize reentry programs and for your other case management needs, schedule alive demowith our team today.