NCJ Number
207526
Date Published
December 2002
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This report presents the proceedings of the symposium, Partnership with Purpose: Breaking the Ice of Recidivism, which addressed offender reintegration.
Abstract
Record numbers of offenders are being released from prison, some with virtually no plans for the future. Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Corrections, the symposium, which was held December 13, 2002, brought together a diverse group of participants from State and county agencies, the community, and from various industries such as housing, labor, law enforcement, and faith communities. One of the main goals of the symposium was to discuss Minnesota’s Serious and Violent Youthful Offender Initiative, which is a 3-year, federally funded program to promote partnerships for offender reentry. Another goal of the symposium was to expose participants to the challenges offenders face in their communities when they are released from prison. Several speakers gave presentations regarding the need for offender reentry programs and the importance of the Minnesota Serious and Violent Youthful Offender Initiative to the State’s long-term economic health. A panel of offenders shared their stories of successful reentry and discussed the problems they faced when they were released. A panel of State partners in the Initiative shared how their agency is assisting in offender reentry. A community panel consisting of service providers, faith-based organizations, and police discussed options for their participation in the offender reentry Initiative. In addition to the speakers and panels, participants met in breakout groups to discuss challenges, solutions, and to begin an action plan. Appendixes contain the discussion group questions, a list of participants, and the symposium program. Appendixes