Reentry and Transitional Services

Preparing inmates for a successful return home, after incarceration from a state correctional institution (SCI), to help them become law-abiding citizens and obtain life-sustaining employment, is an important part of the Department of Correction's (DOC)  mission. The work in this area is referred to as "reentry."

Ninety percent of the DOC's inmates return home one day from and SCI.  DOC staff works to provide inmates with treatment programs to change their criminal behaviors, educates inmates and provides them with job skills all in an effort of helping offender to not commit future crimes.

The DOC furthers its work in the area of reentry through the creation of Regional Reentry Administrators (RRAs) - one in the east and one in the west.

The primary focus of RRAs will be on providing a bridge between institutions and community corrections to facilitate transition to the community via parole to an approved release plan.  They will coordinate systemic and tangible reentry practices within the Department to advance the returning citizen’s opportunity for success; thereby reducing recidivism and increasing public safety.

A number of DOC bureaus and offices help facilities prepare individuals for their return home. Those areas include Treatment Services, Educational and Vocational Training, Mental Health Management, Reentry and Transitional Services, Population Management and Community Corrections.  All work is done through local and state wide partnerships while remaining dedicated to victim advocacy.

For additional information on DOC reentry services, contact:

Matthew Sheaffer, Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary for Reentry

Dorenda Hamarlund, Workforce Development Specialist