Webinar: CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEVELOPING AN OPTIMAL INDIVIDUAL REENTRY PLAN: BALANCING OFFENDER NEEDS, COMMUNITY FACTORS AND PRACTICAL REALITIES

Date: Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Time: 2:00-3:30 p.m. ET

To register for this webinar, click here.

In recent years, researchers and practitioners have learned a great deal about properly addressing offender risks to improve post-incarceration outcomes. By conducting actuarial assessments of each individual’s risks and needs and coupling this diagnostic information with clinical judgment, practitioners can develop reentry plans that increase the likelihood of improved outcomes for both the individual and the community. 

In addition, practitioners can further increase the likelihood of success when factors such as employment, educational levels, and vocational aptitudes, as well as community factors (e.g., access to healthy social activities or access to pro-social individuals) are addressed in individual reentry plans.

This webinar will focus on developing optimal individual reentry plans. The presenter will discuss organizational considerations that can greatly influence how offender risk and needs are measured and addressed, and system considerations including the extent of planning and collaboration with other government and community organizations that is needed to improve the likelihood that a person will succeed after release from prison and jail. Attention will be given to resource limitations, staff training, and the availability of supports and services within communities.

The webinar will also include brief discussions about:

• Appropriate cognitive-behavioral treatment interventions that address assessed criminogenic needs;
• Improving life skills (e.g., financial literacy or interacting with employers and peers in a non-confrontational manner);
• Addressing basic education and vocational training deficits;
• Measuring and capitalizing on an individual’s strengths;
• Ensuring that the transition from living in a prison/jail to the community is as smooth as possible (e.g., How will the individual leave the institution and get to the area he/she will live? Where will he/she go immediately after release? Does the individual have suitable clothing and resources for food and other necessities?);
• Establishing pro-social “hooks” for a given individual (e.g., mentors, community organizations, employers willing to help the ex-offender avoid falling back on anti-social habits);
• Attendees can ask the presenter questions about any of these or other related topics in the last 30 minutes of the webinar. 

The presenter for this webinar is Kathleen Gnall, an independent consultant with extensive experience working with criminal justice professionals, policymakers, community and business leaders, social service providers, and members of faith-based and non-profit organizations to enhance public safety while improving individual outcomes. Ms. Gnall spent 17 years with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PDOC), where she served as executive assistant to the Secretary of Corrections; the Director of Policy, Planning, Research, Evaluation and Grants; and the Deputy Secretary for Specialized Programs and Reentry.