Prisoner Reentry: Taking Stock and Moving Forward

1. Prisoner Reentry: Taking Stock and Moving Forward Prepared for the North Carolina Reentry Summit Winston-Salem, NC November 29, 2006 Good afternoon. I am honored to be here with you today. I have been involved with Forsyth County and the Center for Community Safety for the last 10 years now. During this time there�s been changes in leadership and shifting of roles, but the innovation continues. While in DC we�re busy thinking about things and talking about things, you have been DOING things and trying things and making real progress. I applaud your efforts and learn so much every time I visit.Good afternoon. I am honored to be here with you today. I have been involved with Forsyth County and the Center for Community Safety for the last 10 years now. During this time there�s been changes in leadership and shifting of roles, but the innovation continues. While in DC we�re busy thinking about things and talking about things, you have been DOING things and trying things and making real progress. I applaud your efforts and learn so much every time I visit.

2. Coming down here for this conference forced me to step back and take stock of some of the lessons we�ve learned over the past few years as the reentry field has emerged [and to think about what the implications are for PSN and other coalitions who are engaging in this topic]. So over the next 20 minutes I plan to cover the following topics: First I will briefly discuss the magnitude of the reentry problem. At the UI we�ve spent a lot of time defining various aspects of the problem. Will touch on it today � one slide -- but not dwell on it. I want to quickly move into reasons to be optimistic about tackling reentry successfully. My reasons are fourfold: 1st, there�s a growing knowledge base around �what works� and EPB 2nd, contrary to conventional wisdom, public opinion overwhelmingly supports reentry planning. 3rd, prisoners exit prison optimistic, positive, and hopeful they�ll succeed. 4th, there�s a lot of momentum and reentry activity underway. Next I�d like to take a minute to discuss what we�ve learned to date about the initiatives underway� in other words, what should we make of all this momentum? Finally, I will attempt to tie all this together and assess what this means for YOU, particularly as PSN partners.Coming down here for this conference forced me to step back and take stock of some of the lessons we�ve learned over the past few years as the reentry field has emerged [and to think about what the implications are for PSN and other coalitions who are engaging in this topic]. So over the next 20 minutes I plan to cover the following topics: First I will briefly discuss the magnitude of the reentry problem. At the UI we�ve spent a lot of time defining various aspects of the problem. Will touch on it today � one slide -- but not dwell on it. I want to quickly move into reasons to be optimistic about tackling reentry successfully. My reasons are fourfold: 1st, there�s a growing knowledge base around �what works� and EPB 2nd, contrary to conventional wisdom, public opinion overwhelmingly supports reentry planning. 3rd, prisoners exit prison optimistic, positive, and hopeful they�ll succeed. 4th, there�s a lot of momentum and reentry activity underway. Next I�d like to take a minute to discuss what we�ve learned to date about the initiatives underway� in other words, what should we make of all this momentum? Finally, I will attempt to tie all this together and assess what this means for YOU, particularly as PSN partners.

3. OK, so let�s step back a minute. What�s the problem here? First, there are lots of people leaving prisons and jails each year: 650,000 leaving state and federal prisons annually 12 million leaving local jails (9 million unique individuals) Recidivism rates are high. I think we�ve all heard these stats by now: 67% rearrested within 3 years (30% within 6 months) About half reincarcerated for new crime or violation within 3 years There are many impacts of this: In terms of fiscal impacts, we spend about 60 billion on correctional costs alone. That�s a 2002 figure, up from $9B in 1982. That�s money that could be used on education, health care, or other pressing concerns. Reentry also impacts families, children, and already disadvantaged communities. For example, a full 10% of minors in the US have a parent in the CJ system. At the same time we know the challenges for the individuals in the system are substantial. Here I�m talking about substance abuse, employment, health and housing � as you know these are major hurdles for those returning home from prison.OK, so let�s step back a minute. What�s the problem here? First, there are lots of people leaving prisons and jails each year: 650,000 leaving state and federal prisons annually 12 million leaving local jails (9 million unique individuals) Recidivism rates are high. I think we�ve all heard these stats by now: 67% rearrested within 3 years (30% within 6 months) About half reincarcerated for new crime or violation within 3 years There are many impacts of this: In terms of fiscal impacts, we spend about 60 billion on correctional costs alone. That�s a 2002 figure, up from $9B in 1982. That�s money that could be used on education, health care, or other pressing concerns. Reentry also impacts families, children, and already disadvantaged communities. For example, a full 10% of minors in the US have a parent in the CJ system. At the same time we know the challenges for the individuals in the system are substantial. Here I�m talking about substance abuse, employment, health and housing � as you know these are major hurdles for those returning home from prison.

4. So reentry is a big problem. At the same time, there are many reasons to be optimistic that we can address reentry better than we have in the past. 1st reason for optimism is there�s a growing knowledge base about �what works� and EBP. These are 2 bodies of work that suggest: Take place mostly in community vs prison (all programs begun in prisons should have intensive, mandatory community based aftercare component) Should be intensive (and last at least 6 months) Programs should be focused on high-risk individuals (risk determined by validated classification instrument) We should use cognitive-behavioral treatment techniques Match therapist and program to learning styles of individuals Provide vocational training and job enhancing opportunities in prison and in the community, And programs should provide more positive reinforcers than negative So reentry is a big problem. At the same time, there are many reasons to be optimistic that we can address reentry better than we have in the past. 1st reason for optimism is there�s a growing knowledge base about �what works� and EBP. These are 2 bodies of work that suggest: Take place mostly in community vs prison (all programs begun in prisons should have intensive, mandatory community based aftercare component) Should be intensive (and last at least 6 months) Programs should be focused on high-risk individuals (risk determined by validated classification instrument) We should use cognitive-behavioral treatment techniques Match therapist and program to learning styles of individuals Provide vocational training and job enhancing opportunities in prison and in the community, And programs should provide more positive reinforcers than negative

5. Reason for Optimism #1: Growing Knowledge Base Programs that adhere to characteristics = cost-effective See Washington State Institute for Public Policy report What works to reduce crime? What are the economics of each option? How would alternative portfolios effect prison construction needs, state and local CJ costs, and crime rates? Findings Some programs reduce crime, some don�t Several of the successful programs produce favorable returns on investment Public policies incorporating these options can yield positive outcomes for Washington Many programs that adhere to these characteristics have proven to be cost-effective. Thanks to a new report by the WSIPP report we now have an excellent resource � a report that not only spells out in a really user friendly way which programs actually have been proven to work but also details the expected return on the dollar for each program. The report set out to answer the following questions: What works to reduce crime? What are the economics of each option? They took into account the costs of the program weighed against the benefits to taxpayers and victims. How would alternative portfolios of options effect prison construction needs, state and local CJ costs, and crime rates? They found that: Some programs do reduce crime (voc educ in prison, int. super + treatment, cog beh in prison or comm, drug treatment , emplyment/job training in comm), some don�t (boot camp, int super w/o tr, elec mon) Several of the successful programs produce favorable returns on investment (eg for every dollar spent get more than a dollar in benefit). Public policies incorporating these options can yield positive outcomes. They project the long-run effects of three example portfolios: a �current level� option as well as �moderate� and �aggressive� implementation portfolios. They found that if WA successfully implements a moderate-to-aggressive portfolio of options, a significant level of future prison construction can be avoided, taxpayers can save about two billion dollars, and crime rates can be reduced. Many programs that adhere to these characteristics have proven to be cost-effective. Thanks to a new report by the WSIPP report we now have an excellent resource � a report that not only spells out in a really user friendly way which programs actually have been proven to work but also details the expected return on the dollar for each program. The report set out to answer the following questions: What works to reduce crime? What are the economics of each option? They took into account the costs of the program weighed against the benefits to taxpayers and victims. How would alternative portfolios of options effect prison construction needs, state and local CJ costs, and crime rates? They found that: Some programs do reduce crime (voc educ in prison, int. super + treatment, cog beh in prison or comm, drug treatment , emplyment/job training in comm), some don�t (boot camp, int super w/o tr, elec mon) Several of the successful programs produce favorable returns on investment (eg for every dollar spent get more than a dollar in benefit). Public policies incorporating these options can yield positive outcomes. They project the long-run effects of three example portfolios: a �current level� option as well as �moderate� and �aggressive� implementation portfolios. They found that if WA successfully implements a moderate-to-aggressive portfolio of options, a significant level of future prison construction can be avoided, taxpayers can save about two billion dollars, and crime rates can be reduced.

6. Reason for Optimism #1: Growing Knowledge Base Cautions No one �magic bullet� program Reductions in recidivism aren�t as big as we�d like, and don�t last for as long as we�d like (5-15%) Limited by evaluations of �programs� not �strategies� Comprehensive, collaborative strategies may be our best hope, yet to date they are untested SVORI findings will help fill gap I really recommend you take a good look at the report. It�s the most helpful resource I�ve seen for state policy makers in a long time. I can�t end this section though without a few words of caution. As useful as this resource is and as much as we know, the reality is that there�s no one �magic bullet� program. In fact, while many programs reduce recidivism and are cost effective, reductions in recidivism are not as big as we�d like, and they don�t last for as long as we�d like (5-15%). Additionally only a tiny portion of programs and strategies out there have actually been evaluated. And those evaluation tend to be of �programs� not �strategies.� I think that the comprehensive, collaborative strategies out there � like many being implemented as part of the federal SVORI initiative -- may be our best hope, yet to date they are largely untested. Findings from the SVORI evaluation should help us fill the gap� I�ll talk about this more in a few minutes. I really recommend you take a good look at the report. It�s the most helpful resource I�ve seen for state policy makers in a long time. I can�t end this section though without a few words of caution. As useful as this resource is and as much as we know, the reality is that there�s no one �magic bullet� program. In fact, while many programs reduce recidivism and are cost effective, reductions in recidivism are not as big as we�d like, and they don�t last for as long as we�d like (5-15%). Additionally only a tiny portion of programs and strategies out there have actually been evaluated. And those evaluation tend to be of �programs� not �strategies.� I think that the comprehensive, collaborative strategies out there � like many being implemented as part of the federal SVORI initiative -- may be our best hope, yet to date they are largely untested. Findings from the SVORI evaluation should help us fill the gap� I�ll talk about this more in a few minutes.

7. My 2nd reason for optimism is that � contrary to popular belief � we are not working against the will of the people here. Earlier this year the National Council of Crime and Delinquency commissioned the Zogby polling group to survey US voters about their attitudes about reentry. Here are some highlights of what they found. While about 80% of those polled expressed concern or fear about returning prisoners, 87% believe prisons should attempt to rehabilitate inmates. In fact, few think criminality is inherent. Only 20% think �once a criminal always a criminal� In fact, when asked what they prefer the state implement in terms of reentry planning, 70% said services should be provided in and out of prison. Only 11% thought prisons should serve a punishment purpose only, with no service or training provided. My 2nd reason for optimism is that � contrary to popular belief � we are not working against the will of the people here. Earlier this year the National Council of Crime and Delinquency commissioned the Zogby polling group to survey US voters about their attitudes about reentry. Here are some highlights of what they found. While about 80% of those polled expressed concern or fear about returning prisoners, 87% believe prisons should attempt to rehabilitate inmates. In fact, few think criminality is inherent. Only 20% think �once a criminal always a criminal� In fact, when asked what they prefer the state implement in terms of reentry planning, 70% said services should be provided in and out of prison. Only 11% thought prisons should serve a punishment purpose only, with no service or training provided.

8. When asked when reentry planning should begin, 44% of the voting public polled said it should begin at sentencing, another 27% thought it should begin 12 months prior to release. 20% said 6 months prior. Only 7% were not in favor of planning for reentry. Striking. [DROP?] By strong majorities, US voters said that that a lack of like skills, the experience of being in prison, and obstacles to reentry were major factors in the rearrest of prisoners after release. Few think criminality is inherent. Only 20% think �once a criminal always a criminal� And finally, job training, drug treatment, mental health services, family support, mentoring, and housing were all thought to be �very important� services that should be offered. Less than 10% thought these services were unimportant. So the point here is that the voting public seems to see prison and reentry as an opportunity to treat addictions and train people for work as a means to reducing recidivism and enhancing reintegration. When asked when reentry planning should begin, 44% of the voting public polled said it should begin at sentencing, another 27% thought it should begin 12 months prior to release. 20% said 6 months prior. Only 7% were not in favor of planning for reentry. Striking. [DROP?] By strong majorities, US voters said that that a lack of like skills, the experience of being in prison, and obstacles to reentry were major factors in the rearrest of prisoners after release. Few think criminality is inherent. Only 20% think �once a criminal always a criminal� And finally, job training, drug treatment, mental health services, family support, mentoring, and housing were all thought to be �very important� services that should be offered. Less than 10% thought these services were unimportant. So the point here is that the voting public seems to see prison and reentry as an opportunity to treat addictions and train people for work as a means to reducing recidivism and enhancing reintegration.

9. The 3d reason for optimism is that ex-offenders themselves are optimistic. As a group, they are not exiting prison angry, bitter, and feeling doomed for failure. Rather, the vast majority - Expect and receive support from families (half said made family closer!) Say they will give up friends/hangouts that lead to trouble More than half report high spirituality inside and upon release Report excellent or good health before and after release Think they will not use drugs after release Want help finding job Think their PO will be helpful; 85-95% found PO trustworthy, respectful, professional� 60% say parole will help them stay out of prison, be crime and drug free� and think it will be easy to avoid parole violation Now this is a double edged sword. Prisoners do need to be realistic so they aren�t overwhelmed and let down when released� Yet, there�s also positive news here� their optimism and positive attitude should be harnessed� we should take adv and give them the help they need at a time when they are most likely to take advantage of it. The 3d reason for optimism is that ex-offenders themselves are optimistic. As a group, they are not exiting prison angry, bitter, and feeling doomed for failure. Rather, the vast majority - Expect and receive support from families (half said made family closer!) Say they will give up friends/hangouts that lead to trouble More than half report high spirituality inside and upon release Report excellent or good health before and after release Think they will not use drugs after release Want help finding job Think their PO will be helpful; 85-95% found PO trustworthy, respectful, professional� 60% say parole will help them stay out of prison, be crime and drug free� and think it will be easy to avoid parole violation Now this is a double edged sword. Prisoners do need to be realistic so they aren�t overwhelmed and let down when released� Yet, there�s also positive news here� their optimism and positive attitude should be harnessed� we should take adv and give them the help they need at a time when they are most likely to take advantage of it.

10. The 4th reason for optimism is that reentry is everywhere. I�m going to fly through this slide, although I�m happy to provide additional information after the presentation. Federal inits are coming out of DOJ, DOL, HHS, CNCS, Task Force for Faith Based and Community Initiatives, the White House and Capitol Hill. Reentry is embraced by both parties as a smart approach to crime. At the state level�. [bullet] plus many states have inits of their own� At the city level�. Mayoral appointees/inits (Chicago, Austin, Philly, Providence), police chief interest (IACP summit, CSG/PERF toolkit, our RR/report), and a newfound interest in reentry from local jails At the neighborhood level there�s a good deal of activity too, as you well know. We recently partnered with CCS to survey W&S sites around the country. Almost half reported substantial focus on reentry and a surprisingly high number were utilizing innovative practices such as mapping, mentors, one stops�. In fact, 30% reported using the notification/call-in sessions that have been implemented in this area for years. In terms of PSN, as we�ve heard today a number of PSN sites have adopted their strategies to address reentry. Earlier this year, the fed gov�t has awarded 6 �supersites� funds to address reentry among other areas. Add per Ed McGarrell paper. ++++JR states are designing policies to manage the growth of the corrections system, improve the accountability and integration of resources concentrated in particular communities, and reinvest a portion of the savings generated from these efforts to make communities receiving the majority of people released from prison safer, stronger, and healthierThe 4th reason for optimism is that reentry is everywhere. I�m going to fly through this slide, although I�m happy to provide additional information after the presentation. Federal inits are coming out of DOJ, DOL, HHS, CNCS, Task Force for Faith Based and Community Initiatives, the White House and Capitol Hill. Reentry is embraced by both parties as a smart approach to crime. At the state level�. [bullet] plus many states have inits of their own� At the city level�. Mayoral appointees/inits (Chicago, Austin, Philly, Providence), police chief interest (IACP summit, CSG/PERF toolkit, our RR/report), and a newfound interest in reentry from local jails At the neighborhood level there�s a good deal of activity too, as you well know. We recently partnered with CCS to survey W&S sites around the country. Almost half reported substantial focus on reentry and a surprisingly high number were utilizing innovative practices such as mapping, mentors, one stops�. In fact, 30% reported using the notification/call-in sessions that have been implemented in this area for years. In terms of PSN, as we�ve heard today a number of PSN sites have adopted their strategies to address reentry. Earlier this year, the fed gov�t has awarded 6 �supersites� funds to address reentry among other areas. Add per Ed McGarrell paper. ++++JR states are designing policies to manage the growth of the corrections system, improve the accountability and integration of resources concentrated in particular communities, and reinvest a portion of the savings generated from these efforts to make communities receiving the majority of people released from prison safer, stronger, and healthier

11. So what to make of all this activity? What have we learned so far? Well, in all honesty, most initiatives have not been evaluated or the evaluation is now in progress, so the lessons here are limited. But I�m going to share a little about what we�ve learned to date so far and hopefully this time next year there will be a lot more to say. So the biggest reentry investment to date is the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative. As many of you know, in 2003 the federal gov�t, via DOJ, awarded $100M to 89 programs (69 state agencies) in all 50 states. Awards averaged $500k-$2m apiece. The UI and RTI are conducting an impact evaluation of 16 programs in 14 states (12 adult, 4 juv) as well as a cost-benefit analysis of a subset of the states. We�ll have results of the efforts about a year from now, but here�s a look at what we�ve learned so far. Good news first: [slide] SVORI participants getting more services than non-SVORI � necessary but not sufficient component condition for making a diff�ce.So what to make of all this activity? What have we learned so far? Well, in all honesty, most initiatives have not been evaluated or the evaluation is now in progress, so the lessons here are limited. But I�m going to share a little about what we�ve learned to date so far and hopefully this time next year there will be a lot more to say. So the biggest reentry investment to date is the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative. As many of you know, in 2003 the federal gov�t, via DOJ, awarded $100M to 89 programs (69 state agencies) in all 50 states. Awards averaged $500k-$2m apiece. The UI and RTI are conducting an impact evaluation of 16 programs in 14 states (12 adult, 4 juv) as well as a cost-benefit analysis of a subset of the states. We�ll have results of the efforts about a year from now, but here�s a look at what we�ve learned so far. Good news first: [slide] SVORI participants getting more services than non-SVORI � necessary but not sufficient component condition for making a diff�ce.

12. SVORI findings to date � word of caution: While service levels are higher, far short of 100%, Program size small -- 5 programs have served more than 450� average size much smaller. 7 b/w 300-450; �.. And 19 <100 total� so we�re a long way away from reaching the 650,000�. Outcomes positive but moderate Jury still out � 15 month impact and cost-benefit findings forthcoming SVORI findings to date � word of caution: While service levels are higher, far short of 100%, Program size small -- 5 programs have served more than 450� average size much smaller. 7 b/w 300-450; �.. And 19 <100 total� so we�re a long way away from reaching the 650,000�. Outcomes positive but moderate Jury still out � 15 month impact and cost-benefit findings forthcoming

13. Very exciting that multi-agency coalitions of LE and the service sector are at table and changing business-as-usual. Huge milestone. But it is sobering to see how hard it is to implement some of these strategies. Level of implementation not there yet. Not reaching all who need intervention with the right mix of services & supervision. And it is hard to scale up and make a big impact in short time frame We need a sustained effort if we are going to make lasting change. [As Pam Lattimore recently noted, the federal approach to reentry is �scattershot.� One time funding streams from various fed agencies to differing state agencies�.] I do think these SVORI observations characterize a lot of what�s going on and suggest clues as to where to focus efforts. We will know more in the coming months and will share those findings then� Very exciting that multi-agency coalitions of LE and the service sector are at table and changing business-as-usual. Huge milestone. But it is sobering to see how hard it is to implement some of these strategies. Level of implementation not there yet. Not reaching all who need intervention with the right mix of services & supervision. And it is hard to scale up and make a big impact in short time frame We need a sustained effort if we are going to make lasting change. [As Pam Lattimore recently noted, the federal approach to reentry is �scattershot.� One time funding streams from various fed agencies to differing state agencies�.] I do think these SVORI observations characterize a lot of what�s going on and suggest clues as to where to focus efforts. We will know more in the coming months and will share those findings then�

14. So what does all this add up to? What does it mean for YOU? First, there�s a lot we can do - Without new laws or regulations target resources where will make largest impact �high risk people, places, times. PSN coalitions are in the business of doing this. Perfectly suited for reentry. Without incurring major costs We can communicate dates and times of release and encourage prisoners to be met at the gate by a relative or mentor. We can ensure that people leave prison with a valid ID. We can ensure short term transition plans exist to help people navigate the first 24-48 hours. Can recruit mentors from the local churches. With costs but expected returns Vocational education, intensive supervision with treatment, cog-behav, drug treatment, etc. I urge you to take a look at the WSIPP report and think thru investment portfolios that are most cost-effective in NC setting.So what does all this add up to? What does it mean for YOU? First, there�s a lot we can do - Without new laws or regulations target resources where will make largest impact �high risk people, places, times. PSN coalitions are in the business of doing this. Perfectly suited for reentry. Without incurring major costs We can communicate dates and times of release and encourage prisoners to be met at the gate by a relative or mentor. We can ensure that people leave prison with a valid ID. We can ensure short term transition plans exist to help people navigate the first 24-48 hours. Can recruit mentors from the local churches. With costs but expected returns Vocational education, intensive supervision with treatment, cog-behav, drug treatment, etc. I urge you to take a look at the WSIPP report and think thru investment portfolios that are most cost-effective in NC setting.

15. On that note, yes, we know a lot about how to approach reentry� We know where you�ll get returns and where you won�t. Invest wisely in EPB and you can expect return on dollar that�s good for taxpayers, good for victims (creating less) and good for future generations. But per above, we still have a long ways to go - [bullets] ++++ Encourage you to continue to innovate, test and evaluate new problem-solving strategies. In many ways you are leading the way. On that note, yes, we know a lot about how to approach reentry� We know where you�ll get returns and where you won�t. Invest wisely in EPB and you can expect return on dollar that�s good for taxpayers, good for victims (creating less) and good for future generations. But per above, we still have a long ways to go - [bullets] ++++ Encourage you to continue to innovate, test and evaluate new problem-solving strategies. In many ways you are leading the way.

16. Finally, want to end by saying that the PSN framework is perfectly suited to tackle reentry. I checked the official PSN website before coming here and noted the 5 elements of PSN are equally applicable for addressing reentry. The PSN framework is as ideal for reentry as gun crime. Partnerships. Your coalitions of LE, supervision and service providers and faith are ideal coalitions to successfully address reentry from prisons and jails. So long as you�ve also got DOC at the table, you�ve got exactly the right partners on board. You�ve got police, who are already working with this population everyday and most adept at problem solving. Probation/parole, who have legal responsibility over most of this population and carry the carrots and sticks necessary to �incent� various strategies. USAO/prosecutors of course have the convening power they�ve been using for year for PSN and W&S, not to mention the power to back the messages Treatment and service providers in the community, as we know aftercare is essential Faith community has access to xxx mentors, one of the most powerful xxx there is. To the extent they can push their congregations not only beyond the walls but to work with former prisoners and their children after release�. And to the extent DOC is not part of the PSN coal, they are of course the partners to add, as they can provide (understatement) treatment/training inside + prep for release and effective �handoff.� Additionally PSN is all about strategic planning/strategically targeting resources. Critical first step for reentry as well. Identifying locally where people are returning, the assets of the comm, ��SP will ID high impact times, people, and places so can make biggest impact in shortest timeframe�Training. Outreach/public education. Here we�re talking about power in messages � both to the public (educating and attracting mentors) and the reentry population (focusing the deterrence msg in way it is heard and believed). Finally accountability � if we are going to improve our strategies we must continually assess the problem & response. � (next page)Finally, want to end by saying that the PSN framework is perfectly suited to tackle reentry. I checked the official PSN website before coming here and noted the 5 elements of PSN are equally applicable for addressing reentry. The PSN framework is as ideal for reentry as gun crime. Partnerships. Your coalitions of LE, supervision and service providers and faith are ideal coalitions to successfully address reentry from prisons and jails. So long as you�ve also got DOC at the table, you�ve got exactly the right partners on board. You�ve got police, who are already working with this population everyday and most adept at problem solving. Probation/parole, who have legal responsibility over most of this population and carry the carrots and sticks necessary to �incent� various strategies. USAO/prosecutors of course have the convening power they�ve been using for year for PSN and W&S, not to mention the power to back the messages Treatment and service providers in the community, as we know aftercare is essential Faith community has access to xxx mentors, one of the most powerful xxx there is. To the extent they can push their congregations not only beyond the walls but to work with former prisoners and their children after release�. And to the extent DOC is not part of the PSN coal, they are of course the partners to add, as they can provide (understatement) treatment/training inside + prep for release and effective �handoff.� Additionally PSN is all about strategic planning/strategically targeting resources. Critical first step for reentry as well. Identifying locally where people are returning, the assets of the comm, ��SP will ID high impact times, people, and places so can make biggest impact in shortest timeframe�Training. Outreach/public education. Here we�re talking about power in messages � both to the public (educating and attracting mentors) and the reentry population (focusing the deterrence msg in way it is heard and believed). Finally accountability � if we are going to improve our strategies we must continually assess the problem & response. � (next page)

17. Bottom line, PSN coalitions can use the PSN/problem-solving framework to understand the reentry problem and craft strategic approaches to it in much the same way you address gun crime. And in Middle District you are doing just that�. YOU are ahead of the game here in NC. You�ve got what it takes to make a difference in this area. I am privileged to be associated with the Center for Community Center and the Middle District, and I look forward to learning from you over the coming years. +++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ The good news is that momentum around improving reentry outcomes remains high � with DOCs, Weed and Seed communities, on the Hill, in the White House, in Mayor�s offices, state governments and Governor�s offices�. The window is open� now is the time to make inroads. There is a great opportunity to impact hundreds of thousands of lives in some of the hardest hit communities around the country. Not about coddling offenders � it�s about preventing crime, preventing new victimizations, and increasing public safety. +++++++ For the police officers in the room, let me flip this around and tell you that it�s estimated that about 20% of all adult arrests is committed by former prisoners. Note this figure does not include inmates released from jails or prisoners who have been in the community for more than 3 years. So (a) this is not just a problem at the end of the CJ line, this is a population you are working with everyday. (b) perhaps more importantly, these stats should say to everyone that there�s enormous progress to be made here. If we can successfully address reentry we will prevent crime and save $. Bottom line, PSN coalitions can use the PSN/problem-solving framework to understand the reentry problem and craft strategic approaches to it in much the same way you address gun crime. And in Middle District you are doing just that�. YOU are ahead of the game here in NC. You�ve got what it takes to make a difference in this area. I am privileged to be associated with the Center for Community Center and the Middle District, and I look forward to learning from you over the coming years. +++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ The good news is that momentum around improving reentry outcomes remains high � with DOCs, Weed and Seed communities, on the Hill, in the White House, in Mayor�s offices, state governments and Governor�s offices�. The window is open� now is the time to make inroads. There is a great opportunity to impact hundreds of thousands of lives in some of the hardest hit communities around the country. Not about coddling offenders � it�s about preventing crime, preventing new victimizations, and increasing public safety. +++++++ For the police officers in the room, let me flip this around and tell you that it�s estimated that about 20% of all adult arrests is committed by former prisoners. Note this figure does not include inmates released from jails or prisoners who have been in the community for more than 3 years. So (a) this is not just a problem at the end of the CJ line, this is a population you are working with everyday. (b) perhaps more importantly, these stats should say to everyone that there�s enormous progress to be made here. If we can successfully address reentry we will prevent crime and save $.