Reentry in Ohio Corrections: A Catalyst for Change

Journal of Correctional Education, Jun 2005 by Wilkinson, Reginald A, Rhine, Edward E, Henderson-Hurley, Martha

Citizen Circles. In 2003, the Adult Parole Authority collaborated with DRC institutions, and community members to implement Citizen Circles. The Circles represent a variation on the model of restorative conferencing. Restorative conferences are defined as "... an encounter in which stakeholders in a crime come together to discuss how to repair the harm caused by an offense, following a finding of guilt and/or an admission of responsibility by one or more offender" (Bazemore, 2000, p. 235 ).

Citizen Circles provide an opportunity to ensure accountability on the part of the offender and repair the harm done to the victim and the community by involving local providers and citizens in a restorative process. Members of the circle meet and develop a reentry plan that allows offenders to acknowledge and make amends for the harm caused, links them with community services, and reintegrates them in a more supportive format. These plans often include provisions for addressing substance abuse or mental health issues, education, employment concerns, housing, peer support or community service. The Citizen Circle meets on a regular basis to review the offender's progress, adjust reentry plans, and discharge offenders who participate in the program. To date, 19 Citizen Circles operate across the seven Adult Parole Authority regions.

Akron Ohio Adult Parole Authority (APA) - Youngstown Office Weed and Seed Program. This is a multi-agency collaboration between the Youngstown Adult Parole Authority Office, Youngstown Police Department, the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Community Corrections Association. The program was implemented in February of 2000. The "weed" portion of the initiative focuses on reducing crime in the Southside through increased law enforcement efforts. Eight APA parole officers worked with the police department on the Southside in conducting saturation patrols and making offender home visits during non-traditional working hours. The "seed" strategy focused on the provision of services to offenders under supervision within in the community in the heart of the Southside. A community APA office was opened in the Southside target area and staffed by three APA officers. The officers were charged with supervising 240 offenders residing in the Southside area and were required to work non-traditional hours, attend block watches, and host community meetings. The Lima Adult Parole Authority operates a similar program in Toledo.

Forensic Assertive Community Treatment-Forensic (ACT). The transition of the seriously mentally ill back into the community has been enhanced through the creation of ACT. This program targets the seriously mentally ill offender released under supervision in Cuyahoga and Hamilton Counties. DRC and local Community Mental Health Board's in the participating counties provide funds to support a Forensic Act Team. Each team is comprised of a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse, three community case managers, and a parole officer. Prior to release, the Community Forensic Act Team works with prison mental health staff and the inmate to develop a specific treatment plan to be applied when the offender is released into the community. Once the offender is released into the community, the Forensic ACT Team provides intensive support services such as linking the ex-offender to benefits, finding stable housing, helping with employment, and the provision of clinical services. ACT members are available to provide services 24 hours a day.