LVWOK on Re-entry

Re-entry is a complex term that is defined by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as a systematic continuum of treatment, services, and processes that are integrated into all facets of the offender’s incarceration at all levels of security. The Department of Corrections, in partnership with appropriate agencies maintains an infrastructure of offender assessment, needs identification, case planning, training, treatment, pre-release planning and effective programming to include comprehensive planning for offender transition to community to include programmatic supervision.

The primary goal of this process is the reduction of offender recidivism; achieved by providing adequate cognitive, academic, vocational, substance abuse treatment, and living skills while underscoring the philosophy the reentry process begins at the point of reception. Recidivism is defined as those offenders that are reincarcerated into the Oklahoma Department of corrections.

In March 2002, the Department of Corrections Assessment and Reception Facility at Lexington began conducting complete assessment of all offenders and developing case plans. The initial case plan is based on crime, length of sentence, physical and mental health, LSI-R score, and other objective assessment instruments. Literacy levels are tested at inception and it is expected that any inmate without a high school diploma will obtain a GED prior to discharge.

Because offenders releasing from secure facilities do not have the same opportunities to integrate as those releasing in the community, it is critical that institutional programming be based on proven theories of “what works”. Findings from hundreds of criminal justice studies indicate the programs that work have common features. Good programs target factors related to offending and that can be changed.

These dynamic factors are known as criminogenic needs. Addressing criminogenic needs (factors related of offending) show a greater correlation to reduced recidivism than much of the research on which we base social policy and medical practice. When the offender is 180 days from his/her projected release, the focus shifts from the case plan to the pre-release plan. The prerelease plan is individualized focusing on the offender’s basic needs (i.e., housing, clothing, etc.), and aftercare referrals for medical, mental health and substance abuse.

Between 600 - 700 offenders are released from custody monthly. The Department utilizes several different tracks to serve the needs of individuals transitioning from incarceration back to community as well as maintain successful outcomes for those under community supervision.

Community Corrections – Offenders eligible for community corrections status prior to release will receive reentry services at those facilities. Services include work programs, substance abuse aftercare, continuing education, transportation resources, and reestablishment of family and community ties. ¨

Transition Coordination – Offenders assessed as high risk and not eligible for community corrections are referred to a Reentry Transition Coordinator who utilizes the concept of “Wraparound”. Wraparound is a process that develops and carries out plans for offendersand their families who have very complex needs.

Diversion Program – A team of Probation Officers work closely with officials from the District Attorney and Public Defender offices and other stakeholders to focus on offenders exhibiting high risk behaviors for placement in a specialized transition plan The Oklahoma Department ofCorrections will continue to incorporate re-entry initiatives and implement programs with a primary purpose of reduction in recidivism to protect the public.