We assess and classify the needs of people in prison and under community supervision to provide programs or make appropriate referrals in the community, which better prepares individuals for reentry into the community and helps decrease recidivism.
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The Department has embraced the Transition from Prison to Community Model recommended as an evidence-based best practice by the National Institute of Corrections. This model establishes a continuum of assessment, classification and case planning, and programs designed to address the “criminogenic risks and needs” of people in prison and under community supervision.
“Criminogenic Risks” are those risk factors that research shows increase a returning resident’s likelihood of recidivating and returning to incarceration. “Criminogenic Needs” are those needs that must be addressed to mitigate this risk of recidivism. While no program, or continuum of programs, can eliminate risk or guarantee a given person will not recidivate, addressing criminogenic risks and needs is considered the best use of resources to increase success for the returning resident.
There are three phases to the Department’s Reentry philosophy:
Phase I – Getting Ready (Reception and Diagnostic)
The institutional phase describes the details of events and responsibilities occurring during the person in prison’s imprisonment from admission until the point of eligibility for parole or release. This phase is designed to encourage and assist people in prison in making positive use of their time while in custody by learning skills through education and job training programs, developing new behaviors, addressing deficiencies, and developing pro-social thinking patterns to create a positive future for themselves and their families.
This phase involves the first two major decision points:
1. Assessment and Classification (Risk, Need, and Responsivity)
The Department begins active planning for reentry when a person undergoes custody admission through the reception and diagnostic process. All people serving prison sentences in state institutions are evaluated to determine their specific needs.
In order to identify the rehabilitative needs of a person in prison, an assessment of that person’s risk of recidivating and criminogenic needs must be conducted with a validated assessment. This assessment should incorporate an identification of “responsivity” factors, which are the potential barriers to learning such as mental health issues, learning disabilities, or learning styles. This assessment provides the basis for individualized case planning to address identified needs and responsivity factors consistent with the Fundamental Principles of Evidence-Based Correctional Practice.
The Department implemented the Louisiana Risk/Needs Assessment in 2005 and established Reentry Accountability Plans (ReAPs) and Probation & Parole Supervision Plans as individualized case plans designed to address identified risks and needs. The assessment process also includes a thorough medical and mental health examination, educational assessment, alcohol and drug screening, social history, and criminal history. Inquiries are made into the person in prison’s work history and identification needs.
People housed in local jails are screened for medical, mental health, and substance abuse issues in compliance with the Department’s Basic Jail Guidelines, but do not currently receive the same level of assessment and case planning as those entering state institutions.
2. Reentry Programming
Program assignments are recommended to reduce risk, address criminogenic needs, and build on strengths. Program participation assists people in prison in making positive use of their time while in custody by learning skills through education and job training programs, developing new behaviors, addressing future deficiencies, and developing pro-social thinking patterns to create a positive future for themselves and their families.
The Reentry Committee, comprising staff across various disciplines (classification, mental health, medical, education, and security) at each institution reviews and initiates reentry planning for people entering their facility. People in prison are assigned to programs based on their assessed risk level, medical or mental health needs, and length of sentence.
Institutional Staff prepare an individualized Reentry Accountability Plan (ReAP), which identifies the needs of a person in prison in the following areas: classification, job assignment, education, vocational, identification, therapeutic programs, medical and mental health, faith-based programming, victim awareness, family support, and stabilization. These plans are updated periodically to ensure the person in prison is completing the goals envisioned for him or her and to make planning adjustments as circumstances warrant. Prior to release, people in prison are provided with an intensive period of preparation, including release preparation programming.
Phase II – Going Home (Institution):
The transitional phase begins before the imprisoned person’s target release date. In this phase, highly specific reentry plans are created. Within three years of an imprisoned person’s discharge date, the Transition Specialist and Reentry Committee review the ReAP and prepare the imprisoned person to complete programs recommended in the ReAP and enter the Department’s Pre-Release Program.
Every eligible person being released from a state prison, Regional Reentry Program, or a local jail pre-release program participates in the Standardized Pre-Release Curriculum 2010, which is a complete reentry program addressing topics such as work readiness and employment preparation, money management, and victim awareness to name a few.
A major part of the Department’s reentry curriculum calls for returning residents to have identification, social security cards, and birth certificates upon release, all of which increase their chances of being ready for employment right away. During this period, the Transition Specialist begins assembling at least two forms of identification to support the returning resident’s release. If necessary, a replacement birth certificate and/or Social Security card is requested.
When the person in prison is within six months of release, or as part of completing the DPS&C’s Standardized Pre-Release Curriculum 2010, a Louisiana State Identification Card is created through a MOA with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles utilizing these other forms of identification. Additionally, if eligible, a person within three years of release may be directed into a Transitional Work Program (TWP) (formerly work release) following completion of the pre-release curriculum.
Phase III – Staying Home (Probation and Parole/Community Corrections)
The community phase begins the moment the returning resident is released from prison and continues until he/she is discharged from community supervision. In this final phase, it is imperative that returning residents receive support in their transition into the community and in remaining productive members of their communities. This is accomplished by monitoring their behavior, identifying and referring them to community programs, and developing and growing partnerships with volunteer groups, local law enforcement, faith-based groups, and other community and service providers that can assist the returning residents in maintaining stability.
Approximately 50% of people serving state prison sentences are assigned to local-level (parish) jails. State correctional facilities have historically offered a variety of educational, vocational, and other programming to people in prison while those housed at the local level rarely received such programming. Since people who are housed in local jails account for approximately 75% of the number of people released each year, it was crucial that the Department expand programming at the local level.
Regional Reentry Programs
Since 2009, the Department has established 10 Regional Reentry Programs across the state. These regional reentry programs operate in conjunction with local sheriffs and are designed to reach individuals who are within one year of release or in a Transitional Work Program assignment, and returning to a specific region. This regionalized approach enhances the program’s ability to engage community supports, such as treatment providers, educational opportunities, and family and faith-based programs. Each Regional Reentry Program provides participants with the Standardized Pre-Release Curriculum 2010, two forms of identification, residence and employment plans, and connections to needed post-release resources in the community.
Local Jail Corrections Transition Specialists
In 2014, the Department expanded reentry programs and services in local jails by assigning 20 Corrections Transition Specialists to those local jails housing the largest number of people serving state prison sentences. These specialists conduct risk/needs assessments, provide CTRP instruction in programs such as Thinking for Change, Anger Management, and Parenting, and assist in transitioning imprisoned people to the Regional Reentry Programs appropriate for them. These specialists create a more structured and evidence-based approach to assessing and addressing the needs of people who are serving state prison sentences but are housed in local jails.
Local Jail Literacy & Adult Basic Education Programs
Thirteen local jails and detention centers currently report adult education students to the Department. These local jails are in turn provided an instructor and resources to provide basic adult education to eligible people. A number of other local jails partner with local school boards to provide adult basic education opportunities for eligible people in their jails.
