The Wyoming Department of Corrections is stepping up its efforts to prepare inmates for a smooth transition from prison to the community. The Wyoming DOC already had a reentry program in place, but a federal grant has allowed that program to provide inmates with even more services, and in a timely manner.
Since most inmates will eventually be released, Christy Hahn, who manages the DOC reentry program, sees to it that inmates are targeted with successful reentry skills from the moment they enter the Wyoming correctional system. Inmates are evaluated for a history of drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues, or other types of problems that might be an obstacle for successful reentry. A one-hundred bed facility, the Casper Re-Entry Center, affords hard-core drug addicts a concentrated year - long treatment program aimed at preventing a relapse after release.
Sometimes the key to successful reentry is learning everyday living skills. How to budget time and money are two life skills that are often forgotten after many years in prison. When an inmate is used to a regimented schedule, it might be difficult to experience sudden freedom. And while a prisoner may have budgeted a few dollars in his or her commissary account, budgeting money for rent, utilities, food and other necessities on the outside is an important skill that can be taught while incarcerated.
The Wyoming DOC also helps inmates relearn positive and constructive ways to deal with difficult situations. “Thinking errors” can land formerly incarcerated person into trouble, and back in prison. Inmates are led to examine the lapse of judgment that brought them to prison, and learn how to avoid repeating unhealthy responses to everyday problems. Anger management classes are offered to those who need them.
Richard Stroker of the Center for Public Policy is paid by part of the grant money to make recommendations on how to provide an effective reentry program for Wyoming’s inmates. Stroker asserts that a successful reentry improves public safety Considered to be an expert in the corrections field, Stoker visits the DOC to meet with officials and groups to explore options in improving the reentry program. One of the successful components of the program is the use of parole coordinators who work with an inmate while the inmate is incarcerated and continue doing so for the first 60 days of reentry. The state has two parole coordinators, one working in Cody, and one in Laramie. Each parole coordinator has a case load of approximately 80 individuals. Under the parole coordinators, supervision is intense. Beside making sure the newly released inmate adheres to all parole requirements, the parole coordinator plays an important role in helping an inmate find a job, secure safe and stable housing, and connect with mental health or substance abuse treatment. Planning for an inmate’s reentry begins about one year before the projected release date. Release plans are tailored with the needs of each individual in mind. According to Hahn, helping to create a viable release plan with a parole counselor gives an inmate a sense of power over his or her life.
Source: Caspaer Star-Tribune May 2, 2011
|
|
|
|
