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Re-entry Manual

Re-entry Manual. A Guide for Texans. Reentry Task Force Meeting - April 20, 2010. Acknowledgements. We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback and guidance on this manual including Rep. McReynolds, Rep. Madden, Dee Wilson, and Stuart Jenkins. Fast Facts.

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Re-entry Manual

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  1. Re-entry Manual A Guide for Texans Reentry Task Force Meeting - April 20, 2010

  2. Acknowledgements • We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback and guidance on this manual including Rep. McReynolds, Rep. Madden, Dee Wilson, and Stuart Jenkins.

  3. Fast Facts • Total TDCJ releases in 2009 (Prison, State Jail, SAFP) = 72,218 • Of those released, 32,705 are on a flat discharge and not under supervision • 54.1% of individuals currently incarcerated have a sentence of 10 years or less

  4. Purpose of Manual • To aid individuals who are preparing for release and those who have recently been released from a period of incarceration with their adjustment back to their communities by addressing such issues as housing, employment, community assistance, and adjustment

  5. Purpose of Manual, cont. • Provide a comprehensive resource guide that addresses chief concerns of population including housing, employment, and community assistance • Focus on individuals released on a full discharge who do not receive assistance from parole and who are not being supervised

  6. Layout of Manual • Two sections: • Part One – Focuses on pre-release • Part Two – Post-release resources and information • Ten Chapters • Spotlight features on key successful groups and programs • Feedback Form

  7. Chapter 1: Preparing for Release Background • Written by guest author Jorge Antonio Renaud • Formerly incarcerated individual; wanted to use his experiences to speak directly to our targeted audience Sections • Reform Your Habits Before Release • Practical Plans and Goals • Dealing With Family • After You’re Out • Asking For and Accepting Help • Housing • Working With Your Community Supervision Officer

  8. Chapter 2: Getting Out • Re-entry Related Legislative Updates • Adjusting to the Free World • Obtaining Identification Documents • Child Support • Managing Money and Acquiring Loans

  9. Chapter 3: Community Organizations • Community resources include groups that provide direct assistance to individuals • May include food pantries, counseling services, rent and utility assistance, clothing, and more • Resources are organized by region: • Central Texas • Northeast Texas • South Texas • West Texas • High Plains

  10. Texas Regions • Central Texas: Includes Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, and surrounding cities • Northeast Texas: Includes Dallas/Ft. Worth, Huntsville, Texarkana, and surrounding cities • South Texas: Includes Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, South Padre, Brownsville, and surrounding cities • West Texas: Includes Big Spring, El Paso, San Angelo, and surrounding cities • High Plains: Includes Abilene, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and surrounding cities

  11. Chapter 4: Housing • Information about the Housing Assistance Program (established through passage of H.B. 3226) • Information on public housing options for convicted felons • Regional Resources • Housing resources specific to sex offenders and individuals on electronic monitors

  12. Chapter 5: Community Health Support • Nearly all individuals released from prison and returning to communities across the United States have chronic health conditions that require on-going treatment. In fact, most have a combination of physical, mental health, and substance abuse conditions. (Urban Institute, “Health and Prisoner Reentry: How Physical, Mental, and Substance Abuse Conditions Shape the Process of Reintegration”, 2008, Mallik-Kane, Kamala and Visher, Christy A)

  13. Community Health Support, cont. • Spotlight features on MHMR centers throughout the state and TCOOMMI • Regional Resources include addiction recovery services, mental health services including counseling and therapy, low-income general health clinics, dental clinics, HIV/AIDS case management, and more

  14. Chapter 6: Finding Employment • Your Rights Against Discrimination in the Workplace • Workforce Development for Disabled Individuals • The Job Search • Getting the Job • Resumes and Cover Letters • Job Applications and Interviews • Follow Up and Job Retention

  15. Chapter 7: Benefits and AssistanceOverview of available assistance: • Social Security / Disability Benefits • SNAP and TANF • Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services • Information for Veterans • Regional Resources

  16. Chapter 8: Education • GED preparation information and resources • General financial aid eligibility information • Regional Resources, including literacy programs, ESL courses, GED preparation, and more

  17. Chapter 9: Getting Involved • Voting Information – Basic voting information including eligibility • Civic Groups – Resources for organizations that encourage civic participation • Community/Support Groups of formerly incarcerated individuals • Giving Back to Your Community

  18. Feedback • Includes a feedback form for individuals who wish to make comments, changes, or share their experiences • Feedback is encourages as it is crucial to the improvement of future editions

  19. Closing • Questions/Comments • For additional information, please contact Ana Yanez-Correa at (512) 441-8123 ext. 109 or acorrea@criminaljusticecoalition.org • You may also visit our website for additional information and updates: http://www.criminaljusticecoalition.org

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