NCJ Number
230206
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 58,59,71
Date Published
December 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the features and demonstrated performance of the program Out4Life, a coalition that organizes existing community-based and faith-based groups to address the needs of offenders returning to their neighborhoods.
Abstract
In 2007, Prison Fellowship created Out4Life in order the increase the number of released offenders who successfully reintegrate into their communities. The Out4Life comprehensive plan calls for the creation of communities of people who are committed to providing prerelease, day-of-release, and postrelease programming and mentoring of offenders who enroll in Out4 Life. The program builds neighborhood-based networks that bring stakeholders together in coordinating services and building community support systems. Further, the program expands public awareness of the importance of supporting released offenders in their efforts to successfully reenter the community, expecting that such public awareness will promote the development of faith-based and community-based reentry initiatives. In addition, the program provides resources, education, and practical solutions for building partnerships that address the critical reintegration needs at the community level. In Louisiana, program coalitions that meet monthly have been formed in five key regions of the State. More than 300 organizations have already registered and are participating as partners in Out4 Life. The program has compiled referral system information for sharing among agencies and service providers. It is clear that churches and communities are beginning to take ownership of the manner in which they respond to offenders returning to their communities. As a result of this show of commitment, elected officials and policymakers are beginning to recognize that faith-based coalitions are viable partners for reentry-related issues.