| The Reentry National Media Outreach Campaign offers media tools and resources to support informed discussion, decision making, and action about solution-based reentry programs that foster public safety and support healthy communities. We encourage you to review the diverse materials and consider how you may be able to use them effectively. |
| The Reentry National Media Outreach Campaign acts as a catalyst to encourage solution-based reentry activities. Review this chronicle of public television and community events/actions to gain ideas on what may work in your arena. |
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COURT SERVICES AND OFFENDER SUPERVISION AGENCY – FAITH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP (DC)
Program Description In 2001, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) entered into a partnership with Washington, DC's faith-based institutions in order to provide support and assistance to the approximately 2,000 prisoners who return to the District of Columbia each year. The CSOSA/Faith Community Partnership launched its "call to action" in January 2002. Volunteer mentors are recruited from area faith institutions . These mentors serve as a supportive link between the offender and the faith- based institution as the individual begins to reintegrate into the community. The District of Columbia is divided into three service areas for matching and administrative purposes. Within each cluster is a lead institution and a cluster coordinator.
In order to make the matches, CSOSA Transitional Intervention for Parole Supervision (TIPS) teams administer screening and assessment tools to the offenders prior to their release to determine which persons would be suitable for the mentoring program. After the assessment, a TIPS community supervision officer reviews the findings with the individual, and they work together to develop realistic goals and time lines for completion of the goals. The result is an initial supervision plan that is periodically updated while the former prisoner remains in the halfway house for the first 90 days. Mentors are assessed through an application process and a personal interview. They also receive training prior to being matched with a mentee. The former prisoner receives a team of two to three mentors, access to social services, employment and housing referrals, and other support services. Program Goals Networking,
Partnering, and Collaboration More than 40 churches, temples, and mosques in Washington, DC, are involved in the partnership. The following are some of the faith-based organizations that participated in Reentry Weekend II: Pilgrim Baptist Church, Israel Baptist Church, New Commandment Baptist Church, Zion Hill Baptist Church, Upper Room Baptist Church, Johnson Memorial Baptist Church, Morning Star Baptist Church, Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, St. John's United Methodist Church, Foundry United Methodist Church, Community United Methodist Church, Faith Tabernacle of Prayer, Praise Redemption Worship Center, Founding Church of Scientology, and International House of Prayer for All People. Outcomes
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