RD324 - Status Report on Offender Transitional and Re-entry Services - November 15, 2011


Executive Summary:
The Status Report on Offender Transitional and Re-entry Services has been prepared in compliance with Item 370, Paragraph B of the 2010 Appropriation Act (Chapter 874, 2010 Acts of Assembly), which requires the Secretary of Public Safety to provide a status report on actions taken to improve offender transitional and re-entry services, as provided in § 2.2-221.1 of the Code of Virginia.

While Virginia has one of the lowest adult recidivism rates in the United States, even slight reductions in recidivism can result in substantial reduction in victimization and savings in prison costs. With 12,380 state responsible offenders in Virginia released from prison in FY2011 alone, reducing recidivism remains one of the Commonwealth’s strategies for promoting public safety. Governor Robert F. McDonnell has charged all state agencies to work collaboratively to improve public safety by fostering a successful transition of these offenders into their communities.

In May 2010, the Governor issued Executive Order 11, which established the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-entry Council. Since the issuance of the Executive Order 11, barriers to re-entry have been identified; collaboration and coordination among re-entry stakeholders has improved; there has been better collaboration with non-profit organizations locality, and faith-based programs in the community; and improved business and community college partnerships to provide more educational and employment opportunities for released offenders in Virginia. Under the direction of the Secretary of Public Safety, correctional and human services agencies continue to work with a variety of stakeholders in order to prepare offenders for release into the community. Effective re-entry planning and preparation; the coordinated delivery of treatment and services based on assessed risk and needs; and assistance with finding stable housing and employment continue to be vital components of a successful re?entry program.

A large number of state agencies offer re-entry programs and services; participate in re-entry workgroups and committees; engage in collaborative partnerships; and have adopted polices and organizational changes that support successful offender re-entry. Some of the agencies mentioned in the following report include the Department of Corrections, Department of Correctional Education, Department of Criminal Justice Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department of Health, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Rehabilitative Services, Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, the Office of the Executive Secretary, Virginia Supreme Court , and the Virginia Department of State Police.

This report outlines re-entry initiatives and accomplishments of agencies across the Commonwealth from November 2010 to November 2011. Despite the current economic climate, agencies have worked extensively to develop and enhance partnerships with non-profit organizations, volunteers, private treatment providers, and numerous other community stakeholders. These partnerships have made tremendous progress in adopting effective re-entry programs and strategies while addressing existing barriers and obstacles. Some of the most impressive and innovative initiatives have arisen out of the extensive collaborations and partnerships among agencies and community stakeholders. These collaborative efforts have provided a means to improve the preparation and provision of employment, treatment, housing, and family services for those being released from incarceration.