Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Community Reentry Program Partnerships

Address

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Central Office
Office of Policy and Offender Reentry
770 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43222

Phone

614-752-0627
614-728-1033 (fax)

E-Mail

DRC.Reentryprograms@odrc.state.oh.us 

Interested in Partnering with ODRC regarding your reentry program?

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) is approached often with various requests regarding reentry programming.  To assist the agency in responding appropriately to these requests, a standardized process for the submission and review of these requests was created.  To facilitate the process, requestors should complete the Community Reentry Program Partnership Request form (DRC4380) to assist the agency in providing a timely and appropriate response to your request.  Step-by-Step instructions for completing the form are provided in the link below.

• Community Reentry Program Partnership Request form (DRC4380)
• Community Reentry Program Partnership Request - guidance and instructions
• Current Approved Reentry Programs - Institutions (updated Oct. 2011)
• Current Approved Reentry Programs - Adult Parole Authority

What ODRC is looking for in your reentry program partnership request

Successful reentry assumes that offenders with high levels of need in criminogenic needs areas will generally be released from prison having completed an appropriate program in domains in which they have an assessed need.  If those programming needs are not met during incarceration, it is anticipated that they can be addressed following release from prison by community program providers or service agencies whether they are on supervision or not.  The information provided by completing the Community Reentry Program Partnership Request will allow DRC to not only be responsive to your requests, but will also allow an informed decision regarding programming strategies for offenders during their incarceration and as they reintegrate back into the community.

What is done with the requests?

All requests will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee from the ODRC.  All requests will be catalogued and tracked by the Committee.  A response will be provided as soon as feasible but no later than 60 days following receipt of your request.

Tips for Effective Programming

Research in the past twenty years has amply demonstrated that certain types of correctional programs have clearly been shown to be more effective in reducing recidivism (Aos et al 2006; Latessa, Cullen and Gendreau 2002; Gendreau and Andrews 1990).¹  In predicting recidivism, we know that there are a number of "static" factors that are predictive.  These are factors such as age, juvenile and adult criminal history, etc.  Programming cannot change these static factors, but it can address other predictive factors that influence an offender's current behavior, values, and attitudes.

These areas, which a) have been shown to be associated with recidivism and b) can be changed, are called criminogenic needs.  Briefly stated, research has shown the following types of needs to be criminogenic:

• Anti-social personality
• Anti-social attitudes and values
• Anti-social associates
• Family dysfunction
• Poor self-control, poor problem-solving skills
• Substance abuse
• Lack of education and/or employment skills

Similarly, we know that certain types of programming that have been used extensively in correctional settings do not work:

• Boot camps
• Punishment-oriented programs
• Control-oriented programs
• Self-help programs
• Vague unstructured programs
• Non-directive psychological interventions
• Programs fostering self regard

Alongside addressing criminogenic needs, ODRC recognizes programs targeting fundamental survival needs are necessary for a successful reentry into society.  Examples include programs aimed at developing or improving life skills, such as banking and money management.  Although these types of programs may not be linked directly to recidivism, they can nonetheless create significant barriers to reintegration if left unaddressed.

Reentry programs should be flexible enough to address reentry issues for those serving a short period of time as well as quality of life issues for offenders serving longer periods.  The agency has selected a small number of core programs that will be implemented by DRC staff and/or volunteers.  These programs have been selected due to the research evidence supporting their effectiveness in impacting recidivism rates.  Any utilization of ODRC staff and/or resource to implement a program must fit the needs of the agency as well as provide appropriate intervention, treatment, and programming for the offenders as they prepare to return to the community or as they prepare for an extended stay in prison.

Who to contact if there are questions or concerns about your request

ODRC - Central Office
Attn:  Office of Policy and Offender Reentry
770 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio  43222
Phone:  614-752-0627
Fax: 614-728-1033
E-Mail:  DRC.Reentryprograms@odrc.state.oh.us

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¹ Aos, S.; Miller, M.; Drake, E. (2006) Evidence-Based Adult Corrections Programs: What Works and What Does Not. Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy; Latessa, E.; Cullen, F.; and Gendreau, P. (2002). “Beyond Correctional Quackery: Professionalism and the Possibility of Effective Treatment.” Federal Probation 66(2): 43-49; Gendreau, P. and Andrews, D.A. (1990). “Tertiary Prevention: What the Meta-Analysis of the Offender Treatment Literature Tell Us About What Works.” Canadian Journal of Criminology 32(1): 173-184.