NCJ Number
210711
Journal
Journal of Correctional Education Volume: 56 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2005 Pages: 139-145
Date Published
June 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the mission, current status, and future goals of the International Association of Reentry (IAR), which is a corrections professional association that provides a vehicle for action by those committed to "moving the reentry agenda forward."
Abstract
IAR's mission is to foster victim and community safety through correctional reform and inmate management, cost containment, professional development, and the successful reintegration of offenders. Its aim is to become an instrument for facilitating collaboration among correctional practitioners, allied justice professionals, the victim community, formerly incarcerated persons, higher education, public policymakers, interfaith and family advocates, and community members. IAR's Inaugural Summit was on March 13-16, 2005, in Columbus, OH, with over 450 participants from 16 States and Canada, representing a variety of State, Federal, county, and municipal justice and correctional agencies; higher education institutions; and community, civic, advocacy, and faith-based groups. IAR's organizational structure consists of an array of committees designated to provide education, advocacy, and the timely dissemination of topical reports relevant to reentry. Twenty-four of the 28 committees met during the Summit to review their missions, identify key issues, and develop preliminary action plans for the months ahead. A report on committee actions will be composed to support IAR's theme of "influencing successful community reintegration." In addition, planning is underway for the creation and dissemination of a series of reviews on "Reentry, Research, and Public Policy," under the joint sponsorship of the IAR, the Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's Institute on Correctional Best Practices. Initially, the IAR will focus on developments within North America, but expects to expand its membership worldwide. 12 references