Supportive

RMO for Released Prisoners (Re-entry, Management and Organization)

Neighborhood Services of Lancaster, Inc. has provided re-entry management services for 3years in the Lancaster area. We provide case management and a Pre-Apprentice Construction program, a re-entry employment program. We also provide permanent supportive housing for re-entry participants.

In addition, we have been a part of the Lancaster County Re-Entry Management Organization since its inception (3-4years) and have participated actively in its work.

As we see it, Lancaster County is uniquely prepared to move its existing re-entry management effort to the next level using funding from the Prisoner Reentry Initiative. The infrastructure for programming is in place and the Organization has had experience through a recent demonstration project in actually providing many of the services required in the announcement. We recommend that the application be approved and the funding awarded at the amount requested.

Before persons leaving prison can qualify for the program, they must complete the pre- parole activities including an evaluation of the need for drug and alcohol services, the acquisition of necessary identification, an assessment of foundational skills, and an evaluation of creditworthiness. These services are ordered by officers of the Pre-Parole Unit of the Lancaster County Adult Probation and Parole Services from contractors approved by the RMO and funded with HSDF monies.

At the point where an individual has completed the required activities, their parole officer recommends the person for acceptance in the program. If they need housing, that is indicated in a fax that goes to all appropriate housing providers. In addition, the parole officer gives the prospective program participant a list of all possible Community Resource Coordinators (CRC) and assists them in making a choice of their CRC. The parole officer documents the selection of the person on the Authorization for Services form and sends it to the RMO Service Delivery Committee via Scott Sheely at the Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board at 717-735-0335. The service is authorized within 24 hours and the approval is faxed to the parole officer and the organization which has been appointed as the CRC.

As soon as possible, the CRC and the parole officer schedule a meeting with the program participant to put together a Service Plan for the first six months after release. Various support services that may be integral to the Plan can be requested from Program funding using the Authorization for Services form that are approved by the RMO Service Delivery Committee. The CRC submits this request along with the proposed Service Plan. The Plan is approved within 72 hours with confirmation faxed to all contractors involved.

The CRC meets with the inmate and their parole officer prior to release to be sure that all of the post-release details are in place.

Following release, the CRC has regular contact with the program participant and the network of contractors that provides service. The CRC also maintains contact with the parole officer for the individual. The organization related to the CRC bills monthly as do the contractors that provide support services. The CRC provides a monthly summary of the progress that the participant is making toward connections with community resources that will support the person on a more permanent basis.

Upon discharge from the program, the CRC provides a discharge summary along with a Service Plan for the person for the next six months.

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Megann Weighand on Winning the Las Vegas Trip

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