NCJ Number
219196
Journal
Corrections Today Magazine Volume: 69 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2007 Pages: 34-37
Date Published
April 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Transition, Reunification and Reentry program for female offenders in Maine.
Abstract
Offered jointly by Volunteers of America Northern New England (NNE) and the Maine Department of Corrections, the program focuses on the major concerns of reentry for female offenders, such as housing, employment, education, family reunification, birth control, empowerment, and continuity of care for mental health, physical health, and substance abuse. The chief program offender for Volunteers of America NNE claims that the key to the program’s success is in its founding principle, namely that all humans are worthy of unconditional respect and positive, personal support. The program was designed to include a range of integrated transition and case management services that begin 6 months prior to release and continue through 6 months following release. An important component of the program is the atmosphere created inside the correctional facility. Research has indicated that female inmates respond best to a supportive environment that emphasizes skill building, treatment, and self-efficacy. Another important component of the program is an individualized assessment jointly completed by the staff and the female offender. It assesses many domains, including economic stability and responsibility, housing/living situation, transportation, education and training, legal issues, safety and crisis issues, and physical and mental health among other domains. Volunteers of America NNE provides the transition programming following release, including financial, family reunification, housing, mental health, substance abuse, medical, nutrition, employment, training and education, transportation, and mentoring services. Exhibits