Stable Housing Supports Safer Communities

1. Stable Housing Supports Safer Communities Minnesota Department of Corrections

2. Minnesota Department of Corrections Mission Statement: To hold offenders accountable and offer opportunities for change while restoring justice for victims and contributing to a safer Minnesota.

3. Minnesota Department of Corrections - Probation • Approximately 116,000 people on probation in MN (“2012 Probation Survey” - www.doc.state.mn.us) • 60,000 = 7 county metro area • 56,000 = Non-metro counties • Approximately 900 in Clay Co. (78% male; 22% female)

4. Minnesota Department of Corrections – Supervised Release • Supervised Release = Supervised Release, Parole, Intensive Supervised Release, Challenge Incarceration Program • 6,015 Individuals released in 2012 • 83 Individuals released to Clay Co.

5. Minnesota Department of Corrections Our Vision Foster community partnerships Optimizing best practices Creating a respectful diverse culture Utilizing effective communication Strategic and efficient use of resources FOCUS on reducing risk

6. Evolution of MN DOC Housing Services • 1800s-1980s – Halfway Houses. • 1990s – Increase in facility based programs that targeted chemical dependency and issues associated with sexually based offenses – releases to CD and SO treatment programs increased.

7. Evolution of MN DOC Housing Services • 2000s – Offender Reentry – targeted focus for policy makers • Q) What did this mean for the DOC? • A) Additional budgetary support within the DOC for housing based services. • DOC Leased ISR residences • Emergency Housing Funds/Female Offender Housing Funds

8. MN DOC Housing Services • 2010 – DOC Field Services Housing Coordinator • Work to increase housing resources available to clients on correctional supervision. • Assist agents in accessing and/or referring clients to housing/homeless related resources. (DOC and/or non-DOC resources). • Assist with monitoring and managing DOC Leased ISR residences.

9. MN DOC Housing Services • 2012 – Rental Assistance for Homeless Offender Program • 3-6 mo. of rental assistance for clients on DOC adult felony level supervision who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • Available to individuals on probation and supervised release caseloads.

10. MHFA Housing Trust Fund: Re-Entry Rental Assistance Initiative “…designed to help persons who are formerly incarcerated to re-integrate into communities through rental assistance funding.” • Two year grant • “…Fund temporary rental assistance, security deposits and housing related expenses for individuals being released from a MN correctional facility.”

11. MHFA Housing Trust Fund: Re-Entry Rental Assistance Initiative • Eligible applications – current RA administrators under MN Housing Trust Fund • “Grants are anticipated to be awarded throughout the state.” • Deadline for applications – 4:30pm on November 25

12. Components of Correctional Supervision Automated & Validated Risk Tools Cognitive/Behavioral Programming Case Plans Restorative Justice Primary Services Supervision Workload Standards Transition/Aftercare Services Outcomes Measures

13. Structure of Supervision • Standard Conditions of Release • The offender must go directly and report to the agent/designee by telephone or by personal visit within 24 hours of release …if offender fails to report, a fugitive warrant will be issued…” • The offender must reside at the approved residence and may not change residence until approved by the agent/designee. The offender will keep the agent/designee informed of his/her daily activities. Daily activities must be constructive and include those designed to obtain/maintain employment and/or attend treatment or education program as directed.

14. Standard Conditions of Release • The offender will submit reports as required by the agent/designee and will respond promptly to any communication regarding release. The offender will maintain contact with the agent/designee. • The offender will at all times follow the instructions of the agent/designee. The offender must sign release(s) of confidential information for medical/mental health treatment, or any other required programming as directed.

15. Standard Conditions of Release • “The offender will refrain from the use or possession of intoxicants and will not possess …mood altering substances …” • “…must not purchase or otherwise obtain …any dangerous firearm or weapon.” • “Conviction of any petty misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony…involvement in any activity defined as criminal…signed criminal complaint …will all be considered grounds to hold the offender in custody…”

16. Standard Conditions of Release • “…Must inform agent…court appearance within 24 hours. • “…not leave the state of MN without permission…” • “…not engage in any abusive, assaultive, violent behavior…” • “…not have direct or indirect contact of victims of current or previous offenses…” • “…pay restitution…” • “…Submit to unannounced visits…”

17. Special Conditions of Release • Must complete a chemical use assessment and follow recommendations. • Must complete sex offender programming and follow recommendations • Must not have contact with any organized groups or clubs identified as security threat groups or gangs. • Must not borrow money … • No contact with minors … • Must not operate a motor vehicle …

18. Benefits of Supervision for Obtaining Housing Options • Agents can serve as an unofficial “property manager” • Landlords can connect with agents to assist with mediating issues • Lease addendums that include conditions of supervision • Utilize DOC targeted resources to help obtain and start client in their rental residence

19. What are others doing? • Public Housing and Prisoner Re-entry • Larger metropolitan areas • Burlington (Vermont) Housing Authority – set-aside Section 8 housing vouchers. • of Shelter Plus Care resources to eligible individuals who are incarcerated (Portland, Oregon). • Case management partnership between the housing authority and service provides targeted towards individuals exiting incarceration to homelessness (Salt Lake County, Utah).

20. What are others doing? • Boston Reentry Initiative • Inter-agency program that targets male offenders who are reentering local Boston communities and are at a high risk of recidivism.. • Collaboration between several local, state, and federal agencies and non-profits. • Provides individuals with access to transition and reintegration services – job training, housing assistance, and health services. • Funded through Second Chance Act and the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative.

21. What are others doing? • Christian Restoration Services, Inc., Minneapolis MN • Permanent Supportive Housing for Ex-offenders • Targeted towards homeless ex-offenders with disabilities. • Faith based • Partnerships between churches, faith-based organizations, community agencies, and criminal justice system. • Emphasis on accessing community resources, employment, mentoring

22. What are others doing? • FUSE (Frequent Users System Engagement) • Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) Returning Home Initiative • Break the cycle of incarceration and homelessness among individuals with complex behavioral health challenges who are the highest users of jail, homeless shelters and other crisis service use • Three pillars • Data-Driven Problem-Solving • Policy and Systems Reform • Targeted Housing and Services

23. Education Materials • www.weareallcriminals.com • Emily Baxter, works with the Council on Crime and Justice • 1 in 4 Minnesotans has a criminal record – what would your life be like if you were convicted of an offense • Federal Interagency Reentry Council • Reentry Myth buster

24. MN DOC Reentry Programming • Adult Pre-Release Handbook • www.doc.state.mn.us • More details of reentry programming and activities, and contact information for staff who work directly with the MN DOC Reentry Unit.

25. Kate Erickson MN DOC Field Services Housing Coordinator (320)345-0051 – cell Kate.a.erickson@state.mn.us