REENTRY PROGRAMS

The Bristol County Reentry Project (BCRP)

The Bristol County Reentry Project (BCRP) is an important initiative that aims to support individuals who are transitioning back into their communities after being incarcerated. For many individuals, reentry can be a challenging and stressful time, especially for those struggling with substance use or co-occurring disorders. The BCRP seeks to provide a range of services and resources to help these individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities and reduce the likelihood of recidivism. One of the key components of the BCRP is the development of individualized reentry plans. Each plan is tailored to the specific needs of the individual being served and is designed to help them achieve their goals and objectives as they progress through the different stages of reentry and recovery. The plan is developed with input from the individual, their family members, and their support team, and is designed to be flexible and adaptable as the individual’s needs change over time. The BCRP offers a range of services and resources to support individuals as they work to achieve their reentry goals. These services include assistance with accessing treatment for substance use or co-occurring disorders, housing assistance, job training and employment support, and educational and vocational services. Additionally, the BCRP provides case management services to help individuals navigate the complex system of reentry and connect with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI)

SSYI is a community based strategy in Massachusetts to help younger adult offenders ages 18-24, who may be gang involved or at risk of gang affiliation, or who engage in weapons violence or high volume drug related criminal activity, improve their transition back into society. SSYI focuses on intervention and providing services related to education, vocational training programs, employment opportunities, behavioral health treatment, as well as pro-social activities.  SSYI outreach program works with their city’s police department to ensure that the youth is eligible based on the magnitude of their criminal charges in their designated area. The partnered cities who offer SSYI outreach programming are the following: New Bedford, Fall River, Brockton, Boston, Worcester, Lowell, Lawrence, Lynn, Chelsea, Holyoke, and Springfield. Once individuals are SSYI approved in their corresponding city and released from custody of Bristol County Sheriff’s Office, they can agree to enroll in their city’s respective SSYI outreach program. Participants will receive ongoing case management, and have Individual Success Plans and Risks Needs and Responsivity Assessments (via Ohio Risk Assessment System). The purpose of SSYI is to help cities with documented high levels of youth violence decrease their rates of youth violence at the community level and reduce recidivism.

The Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO)

The Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program is a prevention-focused component of VA’s Homeless Programs Office, whose mission is to end homelessness among Veterans. Since the program was founded in 2009, VJO Specialists at every VA medical center have provided outreach to justice-involved Veterans in various settings, including jails and courts. The process begins with identifying Veterans in the legal system. A Veteran’s eligibility for VA Services will be determined by the VA Business Office with a DD214 and VA form-1010EZ. Once eligibility is verified, an evaluation is conducted. This includes an assessment for substance abuse treatment, mental health care, medical services and housing. Goals • Identify justice-involved Veterans in the New England area. A mission of the VJO Program is to build relationships with Criminal Justice entities. This mission is focused on three areas: Courts/Legal Counsel – Provide judges, prosecutors, district and defense attorneys, court clinicians, probation officers, and any other relevant court personnel information and education on Veteran specific issues (i.e. PTSD and TBI) treatment options and benefits. Law Enforcement: Provide outreach and support to local law enforcement regarding Veteran specific issues. County and State Corrections – Maintain communication with local jails and prisons in efforts to identify incarcerated Veterans and offer either diversion or post release planning services to VA eligible Veterans in collaboration with correctional rehabilitative service staff. VJO Scope of Practice.

Getting Ahead While Getting Out ( GAWO)

GAWO is a program is facilitated by The St. Vincent de Paul Reentry program of Greater Attleboro which is a faith-based volunteer. The Purpose of the Getting Ahead while Getting Out Reentry Model is to provide citizens returning from incarceration and their families a comprehensive, community- and relationship-based approach to reentry that begins in pre-release and follows through with long-term support. Assistance may include temporary housing, utilities, food, clothing, household goods, help with transportation, and/or referral services. Sometimes, we just listen and try to provide support and guidance.

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