NCJ Number
186713
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 62 Issue: 7 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 80-83
Date Published
December 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines a special program to assist convicted adult felons designated developmentally disabled or mentally ill.
Abstract
The RAP House/Lincoln Park Work Training Release Program is located in an urban neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. A 50-bed, specialized, coed transitional facility, it was designed to assist convicted adult felons who are designated developmentally disabled or mentally ill. It accepts inmates during their last 6 months of incarceration, as well as diversion cases sentenced by superior court and short-term sanctions for offenders in violation of community supervision. Residents have available a variety of work and training opportunities, treatment services such as substance abuse classes, moral reconation therapy, victim awareness, living skills, health training, and an extensive training library. New arrivals meet with staff members to review all legal sentence requirements and case management plans. The major focus of the case management plan is transition of the residents back into the community. The article concludes that, given proper preparation before release and help and guidance afterward, mentally ill and developmentally disabled inmates can and do become good citizens.