These materials are intended for use in training coalitions established to improve reentry experiences and outcomes for persons reentering their communities after incarceration.
Local reentry coalition leaders can use this toolkit as a resource for training coalition members, analyzing the need for improving the coalition and its services, and identifying measures for evaluating a coalition’s effectiveness. The major components of the toolkit address “questions to consider” in assessing current reentry efforts; “quick references” for access to resources dealing with various reentry issues; and “examples from the field” that provide real-world accounts of how communities throughout the country are working to strengthen the reentry process. Part I addresses the “Fundamentals of Reentry” by discussing what drives systems change, how to reduce recidivism, and enabling personal and community transformation. Part II addresses “Tools for Change” by discussing the linking and leveraging of resources, as well as how to change policy and practice. Various tools for addressing key issues in reentry are appended.