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As Corrections facilitators you know first hand the needs of recently released prisoners.  Given your public and governmental ties you have much of the influence needed to bring resources to prisoners.

Below are just a few examples of the things that you can do to help reduce the recidivism rate.

Out4Life Conferences

Reentry Tools

Community Support

Out4Life Conferences

• Work with Prison Fellowship to convene all key stakeholders by bringing an Out4Life Reentry Conference to your state.

• Support and participate in the development of regional reentry coalitions following the Out4Life Conference.

Reentry Tools

• Assist with the development of easy to use reentry tools.

• Develop a tailored discharge plan to prepare individuals for the first 24-48 hours after release—help them access basic necessities and plan the first night out.

• Ensure that every inmate is released with simple, easy-to-read materials in hand that identify how to access services in the community.  Work with the Out4Life coalitions to develop and maintain resource guides and handbooks to help individuals navigate resources in their community.

Community Support

• Access volunteers and reentry support by forming working relationship with religious leaders/congregations.

• Help to gain media attention by stressing public safety, social, and financial benefits of reentry coalitions.

• Assign a staff member to work directly with each regional coalition and become actively involved with directing the goals so that they align with corrections.

• Establish a positive and reciprocal relationship with community teams as a necessary prerequisite to supporting public safety.

• Provide regular “Community Supervision” training sessions for the coalition, church and general public to equip them to understand how to work with released offenders.

• Work with churches to set up “Meet Me at the Gate Campaigns” which address basic logistical needs upon release such as where to go and how to get there.

• Assist with bringing other public agencies and services to the table.