Presented by: Elana M. Parker, M.Ed., M.L.A.P. Reentry Coordinator/Public Health Liaison Alabama Prisoner Reentry Initiative and Family Reintegration

Session Objectives Family Dynamics and Incarceration: Family culture behind the walls Nontraditional family systems Institutional thinking and social oppression Reestablishing parental roles and responsibilities Inmate challenges and barriers to family and community reintegration

ADOC Department Overview Estimated 28,000+ inmates – Multiple custody levels Thirty Prison Facilities Statewide Twenty Major Institutions 10 Work Release or Community Work Centers 3 Women’s Facilities 27 Male Facilities

Alabama Dept. of Corrections – Facilities Map

ADOC Mission Statement The mission of the Alabama Dept. of Corrections is to confine, manage, and provide rehabilitative programs for convicted felons in a safe, secure, and humane environment utilizing professionals who are committed to public safety and to the positive re- entry of offenders into society.

ADOC Institutional Programs Substance Abuse Program (8 Weeks) Crime Bill Program (6 months) Meth Drug Program Relapse Prevention and Aftercare Trade School and Vocational Programs GED and Educational Services Chaplaincy and Faith Based Services Parenting and Family Strengthening

Goals of Prisoner Re-entry Decrease the overall prison recidivism rates and overcrowding Promote public safety for the general community Reunite parents and children Decrease public health and social disparities within the offender populations Offer referral linkages to inmates and ex-offenders transitioning back into the community

For Still Incarcerated Persons (SIP’s) Unsatisfactory Home and/or Job Plan (Parolees) No Home Plan Identified (EOS) Unapproved Home Plan (Sex Offenders) Limited Linkages to Community and Faith Based Resources For Previously Incarcerated Persons (PIP’s) Inability to successfully access and secure community resources Pre-existing felony warrants or misdemeanor detainers Technical Parole Violations (failure to report, payment of restitution fees, positive drug screens)

Identified Needs for SIP’s and PIP’s Primary and Essential Needs: Food, Clothing, Shelter, Transportation, Food, Clothing, Shelter, Transportation, Release Documentation, Emergency Assistance, Spiritual Support and Mentoring Release Documentation, Emergency Assistance, Spiritual Support and Mentoring Secondary Needs: Supervised Reporting and Monitoring, Obtaining Personal Identification, Felony ID Card, Drivers License, Job Assistance, Family Re-Integration, Spiritual Mentoring and Support Supervised Reporting and Monitoring, Obtaining Personal Identification, Felony ID Card, Drivers License, Job Assistance, Family Re-Integration, Spiritual Mentoring and Support Tertiary Needs: Drug Treatment Services, Mental Health Counseling, Spiritual Support and Mentoring, Evidenced Based, Therapeutic Programming, Social Support Drug Treatment Services, Mental Health Counseling, Spiritual Support and Mentoring, Evidenced Based, Therapeutic Programming, Social Support

Institutional Pre Release and Reentry Program Offered at 20 prison facilities statewide – Targets inmates who are within days of release – 6 Life Enrichment Modules (Behavior Modification) – Module 1 – Addictions and Recovery – Module 2 – Job, Career, Financial and Communication Skills – Module 3 – Faith, Character Building, Social and Communication Skills – Module 4 – Health Education, Information and Referrals – Module 5 – Family Reintegration and Support Services – Module 6 – Law Enforcement Community and Transitional Resources

Family Dynamics and Incarceration: Family culture behind the walls Nontraditional family systems Institutional thinking and social oppression Reestablishing parental roles and responsibilities Inmate challenges and barriers to family and community reintegration

Family Reintegration “Project B.R.I.D.G.E.” Bringing Resources, Information, Direction, Guidance and Encouragement This module was written and developed by: Laura Day, Psychological Associate Hamilton A&I Prison Hamilton Work Release Center (256)

“Project B.R.I.D.G.E.” Address concerns about returning to family and society Provide brief communication skills training and address expectations concerning returning to the family Provide information about child development, parental responsibilities and appropriate methods of disciplining and co-parenting Address and provide education concerning issues of intimacy, sexual health, family planning and infidelity

“Project B.R.I.D.G.E.” Address issues related to family demands and maintaining sobriety Address decision-making processes and the psychological impact of returning to society Discuss barriers to family reintegration and possible solutions Provide and explain resources that are available to help with reintegration with family and return to society

Project B.R.I.D.G.E. Alabama Department of Human Resources Aid to Inmate Mothers Alabama Fatherhood Initiative Governors Task Force to Strengthen Alabama Families Community Partnerships for Reentry and Recovery Alabama Family Resource Centers Cooperative Extension Centers Alabama Parenting Assistance Line Alabama Department of Senior Services Alabama Department of Public Health Alabama Department of Children’s Affairs Camellia Tools Community Action Agencies Center for Extended Families

“Project B.R.I.D.G.E.” Bringing Resources, Information, Direction, Guidance and Encouragement ADOC Reentry and Family Reintegration Services for Families Questions and Answers ????? Elana Parker (334)