NCJ Number
207661
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 66 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 104-107,113
Date Published
October 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes Illinois' model program for preparing inmates to have a successful reentry to the community, which begins from the moment of admission to prison.
Abstract
Illinois' Sheridan Correctional Center, a 1,300-bed medium-security facility, was reopened in January 2004 as a national model therapeutic prison and reentry program. The Illinois Department of Corrections partnered with the Safer Foundation and other service-provider staff to craft a unique research-based approach to corrections that offers inmates tools, resources, and structures for practicing new behaviors that will enable them to live drug-free and crime-free lives in the community after release. Based on an assessment of best practices identified over 30 years of research, the Sheridan model provides a broad range of employment-readiness services, including aptitude/interest assessments, individualized career preparedness action plans, job preparedness training, vocational training strategies, job shadowing/competency achievement, employment acquisition and retention tools, and job placement and coaching supports. Based on the first 12 releasees, early outcomes indicate that within the first few weeks of release, 80 percent of the graduates have been placed in full-time employment in significant businesses that provide a living wage. 6 notes