The DOC Office of Reentry hosted regional training, A Pathway to Success through Reentry, that was specific to professionals within the DOC who have a direct role in the hard-to-place reentry process. The training was held at the Training Academy on Dec. 12, 2022; Duquesne University, Jan. 5, 2023; and Norristown State Hospital, Jan. 19, 2023. Jessica Penn Shires, hard-to-place reentry coordinator, facilitated the training to focus on the current hard-to-place policy and outlined specific steps and timelines within the reentry process. External stakeholders including the Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Aging, Adult Protective Services, and Community Behavioral Health Systems presented about their services and supports for hard-to-place reentrants. The trainings were also an opportunity for DOC professionals to network and share best practices and resources.
Deputy Secretary for Reentry Kelly Evans and Jessica Penn Shires acknowledged the time, effort, and diligence of the social workers who prepare reentry plans for this population. Their efforts go unnoticed, especially with successful reentry plans. All social workers were recognized for their efforts and passion that they bring to their work every day. Four social workers were honored for not only their consistent dedication but often going above and beyond to ensure a safe and successful reentry to the community.
Rachel Ralph (above) was recognized for her efforts regarding a recent reentry that involved a significant amount of advocacy and coordination with community resources. The family wanted the reentrant to reside with them upon release, but given his extensive medical and physical needs, the family was not equipped to properly care for him. Rachel advocated and coordinated with community resources to modify the home to meet the reentrant’s needs (i.e., ramp to entrance and ensure medical durable equipment was at the home upon arrival). Rachel reached out to various entities/providers to obtain and secure all necessary resources in place prior to his arrival home with family.
Sara Dillard was recently involved in several challenging reentry cases. Given the nature of the reentrants’ medical needs and criminal history, placement was difficult to secure. Sara exhausted all known resources throughout the state in each case, but she continued to pursue any potential leads or resources as they become known. She worked collaboratively with sister agencies and maintained professionalism throughout each meeting, even when partners expressed and displayed a high level of frustration toward the DOC. Due to her relentless search, both individuals left the SCI with an appropriate and safe reentry plan. In addition to her own responsibilities at the SCI, Sara has provided support to another SCI when a social work position was vacant.
Tammy Twombly was recognized for recently advocating for the release of an individual on paroleas opposed to waiting until the maximum sentence date. The inmate received a positive parole action, but CCCs would not accept him until a more permanent home plan was established. Tammy recognized and advocated for this individual to be paroled to a CCC vs. max from his sentence regardless of his long-term housing needs. Through her advocacy, she secured an apartment through a provider pending his successful transition to a CCC, therefore having the opportunity to be released to the community prior to his max date.
Amber Muchal was recognized for going above and beyond to advocate for the mental health population within the Department of Corrections. Amber advocates to ensure reentrants are not only connected to community mental health resources, but also have resources to ensure continuity of care with medication management in the community. Many of her efforts go unnoticed, as she often, without hesitation, will take on added responsibilities when staff complement is low to ensure all individuals have the advocacy and support of a social worker. Her passion and level of insight into reentry planning is commendable.
The Office of Reentry thanks the teams within the institutions who often include social workers, unit management, the CCPM, medical, psychology and many others to plan and prepare for successful reentry of hard-to-place reentrants. Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.