NCJ Number
230209
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2009 Pages: 68-71
Date Published
December 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Since community and faith-based organizations (CFBOs) often supply critical services to people released from prisons and jail, this article suggests how States can build and improve partnerships with CFBOs.
Abstract
The Council of State Governments has developed a guide that presents recommendations for how State government officials and CFBOs can better collaborate to assist people released from prisons and jails successfully and safely reenter their communities. These recommendations were developed from input received from government and nonprofit leaders who have been at the forefront of the effort to integrate CFBOs into the provision of reentry services. The recommendations pertain to areas in which obstacles to collaboration often occur. One recommendation is that State correctional agencies take the leadership in building and sustaining comprehensive networks with CFBOs. A second recommendation is to simplify pathways for funding reentry initiatives. This recommendation addresses the need for CFBOs to receive State guidance in order to navigate grant application processes. A third recommendation is for States to recognize and understand the distinct organizational cultures of CFBOs. Often differences in organizational cultures of service providers and correctional staff can impede the ability of CFBOs and correctional staff to work together. A fourth recommendation is to ensure that partnerships tailor their actions and services for the population being served (ex-inmates reentering the community) rather than the organizations providing the services. A fifth recommendation is that accountability for the efficient use of funds and the collection of critical data be ensured. 2 notes