1. Re-entry Manual A Guide for Texans
Reentry Task Force Meeting - April 20, 2010

2. Acknowledgements
We would like to thank everyone who provided feedback and guidance on this manual including Rep. McReynolds, Rep. Madden, Dee Wilson, and Stuart Jenkins.

3. Fast Facts
Total TDCJ releases in 2009 (Prison, State Jail, SAFP) = 72,218
Of those released, 32,705 are on a flat discharge and not under supervision
54.1% of individuals currently incarcerated have a sentence of 10 years or less

4. Purpose of Manual
To aid individuals who are preparing for release and those who have recently been released from a period of incarceration with their adjustment back to their communities by addressing such issues as housing, employment, community assistance, and adjustment

5. Purpose of Manual, cont.
Provide a comprehensive resource guide that addresses chief concerns of population including housing, employment, and community assistance
Focus on individuals released on a full discharge who do not receive assistance from parole and who are not being supervised

6. Layout of Manual Two sections: Ten Chapters
Part One – Focuses on pre-release
Part Two – Post-release resources and information
Ten Chapters
Spotlight features on key successful groups and programs
Feedback Form

7. Chapter 1: Preparing for Release
Background
Written by guest author Jorge Antonio Renaud
Formerly incarcerated individual; wanted to use his experiences to speak directly to our targeted audience
Sections
Reform Your Habits Before Release
Practical Plans and Goals
Dealing With Family
After You’re Out
Asking For and Accepting Help
Housing
Working With Your Community Supervision Officer

8. Chapter 2: Getting Out Re-entry Related Legislative Updates
Adjusting to the Free World
Obtaining Identification Documents
Child Support
Managing Money and Acquiring Loans

9. Chapter 3: Community Organizations
Community resources include groups that provide direct assistance to individuals
May include food pantries, counseling services, rent and utility assistance, clothing, and more
Resources are organized by region:
Central Texas
Northeast Texas
South Texas
West Texas
High Plains

10. Texas Regions
Central Texas: Includes Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, and surrounding cities
Northeast Texas: Includes Dallas/Ft. Worth, Huntsville, Texarkana, and surrounding cities
South Texas: Includes Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi, South Padre, Brownsville, and surrounding cities
West Texas: Includes Big Spring, El Paso, San Angelo, and surrounding cities
High Plains: Includes Abilene, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and surrounding cities

11. Chapter 4: Housing
Information about the Housing Assistance Program (established through passage of H.B. 3226)
Information on public housing options for convicted felons
Regional Resources
Housing resources specific to sex offenders and individuals on electronic monitors

12. Chapter 5: Community Health Support
Nearly all individuals released from prison and returning to communities across the United States have chronic health conditions that require on-going treatment. In fact, most have a combination of physical, mental health, and substance abuse conditions.
(Urban Institute, “Health and Prisoner Reentry: How Physical, Mental, and Substance Abuse Conditions Shape the Process of Reintegration”, 2008, Mallik-Kane, Kamala and Visher, Christy A)

13. Community Health Support, cont.
Spotlight features on MHMR centers throughout the state and TCOOMMI
Regional Resources include addiction recovery services, mental health services including counseling and therapy, low-income general health clinics, dental clinics, HIV/AIDS case management, and more

14. Chapter 6: Finding Employment
Your Rights Against Discrimination in the Workplace
Workforce Development for Disabled Individuals
The Job Search
Getting the Job
Resumes and Cover Letters
Job Applications and Interviews
Follow Up and Job Retention

15. Chapter 7: Benefits and Assistance Overview of available assistance:
Social Security / Disability Benefits
SNAP and TANF
Texas Department of Assistance and Rehabilitative Services
Information for Veterans
Regional Resources

16. Chapter 8: Education GED preparation information and resources
General financial aid eligibility information
Regional Resources, including literacy programs, ESL courses, GED preparation, and more

17. Chapter 9: Getting Involved
Voting Information – Basic voting information including eligibility
Civic Groups – Resources for organizations that encourage civic participation
Community/Support Groups of formerly incarcerated individuals
Giving Back to Your Community

18. Feedback
Includes a feedback form for individuals who wish to make comments, changes, or share their experiences
Feedback is encourages as it is crucial to the improvement of future editions

19. Closing Questions/Comments
For additional information, please contact Ana Yanez-Correa at (512) ext. 109 or
You may also visit our website for additional information and updates: