Reentry Program

Pilot Program Offers Reentry Transition Services to Offenders

In April, 2002, the Department of Corrections initiated a pilot program to provide reentry transition services to offenders through partnerships with local jails. Selected offenders will relocate from prison to a local jail in their community to receive transitioning services such as life skills workshops and assistance with housing and employment. These services will strengthen public safety by better preparing the offenders for their return to the community.

The pilot program is in progress at the Southside Regional Jail in Emporia, Virginia. Pre-release transition services are being provided to offenders from 90 days prior to their release and continue through their first 45 days following release.

Phase 1: Programming
Offenders will participate in daily workshops for a period of forty-five days. These sessions will include classes such as Life Skills, Cognitive Thinking, Employability, Conflict Resolution, Substance Abuse, Anger Management and Domestic Violence. The majority of the programming for these workshops will be conducted by the Department of Corrections staff. Additionally, outside resources such as the local Virginia Employment Commission, Social Services, Community Service Boards, Pre-Release and Post Incarceration Services (PAPIS) providers, Mental Health and other community agencies will come into the jail to provide resource information and assistance. Assistance with housing and employment is also offered during this time.

Phase 2: Work Release
Offenders identified by the DOC Classification Unit, as being suitable for work release, will participate in a 45-day work release program. During this phase, the offenders will also participate in twice weekly programming.

Phase 3: Community Release
Offenders will be released from the local jail after having served their sentence and will began their transition back into the community. These offenders will have had the benefit of connecting with the necessary resources within the community as well as having completed 45 days of intensive workshops, thus, making their reintegration into society smoother. Offenders will be provided support and assistance during this phase and will be required to participate in twice-weekly programming.

Offenders completing the reentry program will leave the correctional system with career/life goals and job search training skills, which will assist them in making a successful return to their communities. Additionally, the program will help motivate offenders to make appropriate choices and to develop a sense of responsibility for their behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a voluntary program?
No. The Department will select persons that will participate in the program. Gradually, the program will be expanded to accommodate as many offenders as possible.

Is smoking allowed?
The smoking policy of the jail will prevail.

What happens if offenders violate the program?
They will be brought back into DOC and face possible loss of good time.

Will furloughs be granted?
Requests for furloughs will be governed by the participating jail's furlough policy if one exists.