Adult Prison Release / “Reach In” Process and Procedure
Introduction
In 2007, Oregon created the Governor's Reentry Council, which worked collaboratively with all state and local agencies to improve inmate reintegration into society.
Working together with the state Reentry Council, Jackson County Community Justice has created a reach to provide services, increase communication between the Adult in Custody and our agency, customize treatment integration, and provide support to the AIC or individual releasing each year to our county.
What is Reach in or re-entry?
Re-entry: a process and experience that begins at the arrest and continues through community reintegration, including release from jail during pretrial proceedings, release at the time of sentencing, or release after service of the sentence (including from prisons, jails, detention facilities, treatment facilities, youth correctional programs, etc.). Re-entry encompasses the evaluation, planning, and programming conducted, and support services implemented to prepare and assist people who are, or were previously incarcerated, to return safely to the community and to reintegrate as law-abiding citizens.
(Rosenthal, Alan, & Wolf, Elaine. Unlocking the Potential of Re-entry and Reintegration: A Reintegrative Sentencing Model; October 2004).
Jackson County Community Justice sees Re-entry as an opportunity to contact and interact with the inmate prior to their incarceration release. It allows the probation officer and individual a chance to discuss case planning, evaluate his/her needs, complete risk assessments, look into needed resources and treatment, discuss housing options, clarify expectations and answer any questions that may arise. It promotes an exchange of information and allows the individual to have the necessary tools and support to be successful in his/her transition to the community.