PAROLEE ORIENTATION PROGRAM (CA)

Program Description
The California Department of Corrections, in partnership with the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the Sacramento City Unified School District's Adult and Vocational Education Department, created the Parolee Orientation Program for all parolees returning to Sacramento County, California.

The Parolee Orientation Program targets inmates who have just been released from prison and are returning to Sacramento. Within a week of being released, parolees are required to attend the orientation program. Each parolee completes an action plan to address his or her needs. The program has a motivational speaker; service providers and law enforcement officials make presentations to the parolees to support and encourage them. The Sacramento Unified School District provides the location for the program. The Unified School District Skills Center provides vocational training programs such as computer skills training. Also, the Department of Motor Vehicles provides "on the spot" identification cards to parolees. Employment, housing, drug programs, and other services are also available to participants.

Program Goals
The Parolee Orientation Program strives to reduce recidivism by providing parolees with opportunities to link up with multiple services immediately upon release from prison.

Networking, Partnering & Collaboration
The program is a collaboration among the CDC, Sacramento Unified School District, Sacramento Police Department, Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol, and other providers such as the Employment Development Department and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Outcomes
An evaluation has not been conducted, but the program is in the process of pursuing funding to conduct a formal evaluation. Recidivism rates and various intermediate outcomes will be measured.

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