NCJ Number
208070
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 40-44
Date Published
September 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the goals, objectives, information needs, information technology (IT) support required, and performance measures for a comprehensive, collaborative offender reentry program.
Abstract
A comprehensive reentry program spans the management of offenders from sentencing through prison, release, and adjustment in the community after release. Under this model, multiple agencies share the responsibility for the successful integration of offenders back into the community. Participating agencies collaborate with one another and with offenders to develop case management plans, treatment services, and monitoring that facilitates a constructive and law-abiding life for the offender in the community. Information technology and the sharing of information among agencies and organizations is required to support reentry decisionmaking, particularly in monitoring offender progress in prison and in the community. One goal of a reentry program is to prepare offenders for release from prison. Information needs related to this goal pertain to treatment progress and classification. The IT support required for this is a prison-based records management system (RMS) and an incident reporting system. Performance measures include program attendance and completion. Another goal of a reentry program is individual success in the community under treatment services, supervision, and surveillance. Information needs in this effort are program progress and classification, a program inventory, compliance with supervision conditions, and monitoring. The IT support required is a community corrections RMS, computerized phone and other service directories, geographic information system (GIS) software, and electronic tracking devices. A third objective in reentry is community safety. The related information needs are offender profiles and community-based information. The IT support required are local police RMS, biometric systems, criminal history systems, GIS software, and statistical software. 21 references