Warren County Regional Jail Inmate Reentry Program

Mission Statement The mission of the warren County Regional Jail’s Inmate Reentry Program is to provide effective training, assistance and mentoring to incarcerated individuals from a county jail perspective. Our goal is to help individuals and their families with supportive services so the individual may transition from jail to society and sustain a lifestyle that will not lead them back to incarceration.

Purpose The purpose of the Warren County Regional Jail’s Inmate Reentry Program is to equip inmates, prior to release, with a better understanding of involvement in the community as an upstanding citizen in and effort to dissuade them from committing further infractions of the law, after their release.

What is Reentry? Reentry is the process of someone who has been incarcerated returning to the community. The person has fulfilled their obligation if they have served their entire sentence or they are in the process of completing their sentence while on parole or probation.

What is Recidivism? Recidivism is when someone who has been in jail or prison ends up returning to jail or prison due to criminal activity or violations of their parole or release. With proper support, it has been shown the recidivism rate can be lowered greatly. While keeping people out of our prisons and jails is a good thing, it is also one of the greatest ways to save tax dollars and many other resources needed to keep a person in a cell.

Problems Offenders Face Employment: Employment is the number one issue that offenders face. To be considered for employment you must meet the qualifications set forth for the position you are applying for. This narrows the availability of job positions an ex-offender will qualify for. Some qualifications may be: High School Diploma/ G.E.D. Not being convicted of a felony Holding certifications on a certain skill

Problems Offenders Face Housing: Another problem offenders face is maintaining a residence. If they do not have employment, they cannot pay for the rent and other bills. If they have been incarcerated for a long period of time, they may have been evicted. They may not have any family or friends with the resources to assist them with a place to live while getting back on their feet. On the other hand, their family and friends may not want to provide any help.

Problems Offenders Face Transportation: Depending on where you live and what support is available from family and friends, an ex-offender could find Employment and Housing but have no way to get back and forth. They must then depend on public means of transportation or the local cab company.

Problems Offenders Face In order to combat the problems that offenders face, we have designed the Warren County Jail’s Inmate Reentry Program broken down into four stages. Although every inmate begins the program at Stage 1, depending on the level of need it may not be necessary for them to be involved in all stages. The following slides show how we have broken down the program in the four stages.

Stages to Reentry Stage 1: Screening and Assessment a: Interviewing the inmate 1. Eligibility b: Starting A file c: Beginning Material

Stages to Reentry Stage 2: Case Management and Treatment Plan a: One on One with the inmate b: Assessing Needs c: Commitment Agreement

Stages to Reentry Stage 3: Programming a: Inmate Reentry Workbook 1. Contents b: Community Action of Southern Kentucky c: National Career Readiness Certificate d: Office of Employment and Training e: Disabled Veterans Outreach Program f: Healthcare for Veteran Re-Entry Specialist g: Addictions Counseling/ Meditation and Mindfulness

Stages to Reentry Stage 4: Mentoring a: Mentors b: Support Groups

Mentoring

Mentoring If available, the inmate will be assigned to a mentor group. Mentors are made up of volunteers wishing to conduct Jail Ministry. Each Mentor must be approved by the Program/Services Director prior to being given access inside the facility. Mentor groups may design their own mentor program but it is recommended that each group have 3 or 4 members per inmate so as not to overwhelm anyone with the needs of the inmate nor deprive the inmate of the support from being mentored.

A.C.T.S. Mentoring Another Chance To Succeed Logan County Apprentice Mentoring Program

Mentoring A.C.T.S. Mission Statement The Logan County Apprentice Mentoring Program helps the inmate to reenter productive life by assisting with his/her needs in areas such as education, housing, transportation, financial counseling, and faith-based guidance.

Mentoring The A.C.T.S. members are also members of the Southern Kentucky Reentry Council and are helping to establish a Reentry Program in our area. They are a non-denominational group and have support from several churches, banks and individuals. The churches have established mentor groups who are trained in the A.C.T.S. Mentoring Program. Although A.C.T.S. has only been around for a few years, they have had several success stories. Their apprentices often give their testimonies to other potential A.C.T.S. members and supporters.

Mentoring Placement of an offender or “apprentice” is the first step to their mentoring. The apprentice is interviewed to find out their likes, hobbies and religious preference. If the apprentice has a background in a certain belief, we will ask if they prefer a mentor group from that denomination. Mentor groups should consist of 3, 4 or 5 members so as not to overwhelm any member with the needs of the apprentice.

What can I do to help? Volunteer to be a mentor. Contact us with employment opportunities. Let us know about housing opportunities. Prepare care packs for apprentices with hygiene items and supplies. Make tax deductible donations to A.C.T.S. program. Suggestions for improvement or assistance with any of these resources. Show your support for this in your community by spreading the word on the benefits of a Reentry Program.

Questions? How much of my time will this involve? Is it safe to work around offenders? How much money and resources must I provide? Is it okay that I don’t want them to know where I live? What if the apprentice doesn’t want to abide by the rules of the A.C.T.S. program?

Southern Kentucky Reentry Council Logan Metcalfe Monroe Simpson Warren www.KentuckyReentry.org Logan Metcalfe Monroe Simpson Warren Allen Barren Butler Edmonson Hart

Mission Statement The mission of the Southern Kentucky Reentry Council is to coordinate resources in the community in our best efforts to provide assistance for offenders, ex-offenders and their families that will facilitate a better transition from incarceration back into society.

Background The Southern Kentucky Reentry Council is an extension of the Kentucky Reentry Council which was formed by Facilitator Glenn Minor. The Councils in Kentucky were established using the Area Development Districts which act as a basis for connecting resources. The Southern Kentucky Reentry Council covers the area of the Barren River Area Development District, which is made up of Logan, Simpson, Butler, Warren, Edmonson, Hart, Barren, Allen, Metcalfe, and Monroe counties. The council meetings are held in Bowling Green. The meetings are open for anyone to attend and are lead by the Council Director. All information that is shared in the meeting is expected to be done with care and consideration toward other members

Purpose The purpose of the Council is to help bring together businesses, non-profit organizations, local governmental bodies, faith based organizations and individuals who could offer support, assistance and resources to offenders/ex-offenders. By networking we will be able to: Examine Ex-offender Barriers Share Ideas and Strategies Foster Collaboration Between Agencies Improve Community Success.

Taking Action The community and ex-offenders need to be aware of the numerous barriers to successful reintegration. Organizations and volunteers need to cooperate to develop a seamless, case managed approach for the ex-offender. Identify and increase resources currently available or create those not available. Challenge the negative perceptions that others may have of the ex-offender population.

Taking Action Southern Kentucky Reentry Council Monthly Meeting 3rd Wednesday of the Month 11:00am – 1:00pm Bowling Green F.O.P. Lodge #13 150 Corvette Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101

Conclusion The more the community supports our efforts in this program, the more beneficial it will be for the offender and community when they are released. With support from Church groups, individuals, professionals, and employers, the offender will be better prepared to take on the responsibility of sustaining a lifestyle that does not lead them back to jail. We ask for your support in our efforts to make this a successful program.

Thank you! On behalf of the Warren County Regional Jail and the Southern Kentucky Reentry Council.