NCJ Number
208068
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Dated: September 2004 Pages: 31-35
Date Published
September 2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article proposes the active-participant model as an alternative to the active-recipient model as a design for offender reentry into the community during and after institutionalization.
Abstract
The active-participant model for offender reentry involves five steps. First, the offender must be made aware that he/she controls personal destiny. This involves providing options whereby the offender learns to make decisions that are in his/her own best interest. These decisions must be attached to each stage of incarceration in developing the survival and skill-based services that offenders select to ease their transition into society as responsible citizens. Second, during the institutional phase the offender must be assisted in determining reintegration goals and then link institutional programming to transitional planning. Skills of self-diagnosis and self-awareness should be developed to facilitate the management of behaviors in the community. Third, in the prerelease stage, the offender begins planning for his/her transition into the community, including housing and employment. This covers 90 days prior to release. Fourth, in postrelease (from release day to 30 days after release), the offender is assisted in setting goals for adjustment in addressing the particular criminogenic factors that he/she perceives as posing the greatest risk for recidivism. The focus would typically be on issues of housing, family, employment, and leisure activities. The final step is integration, which extends from 30 days after release for up to 2 years. This step consists of maintenance and crisis management, as an offender makes incremental advancements in life adjustments as an active participant in setting and pursuing goals while managing the behavior necessary to reach personal goals. 2 tables and 16 references