Abstract
Numerous individuals released from incarceration tend to be rearrested within the first couple of years. Some of the documented reasons for recidivism are related to lack of or limited levels of education, access to mental health or substance abuse treatments, and the environment in which they are released. A community-based multidisciplinary post-incarceration re-entry program was piloted in Southwest Michigan to assist the returning ex-offenders overcome most of the reintegration barriers, thus ensuring a successful transition to community living. The program was developed base on the One Stop Shop Principle, providing selected ex-offenders with access to counseling, mentoring, tutoring, occupational therapy life skills training, and referrals. This study provides an insider view of what went well and what could be improved from a programmatic and organizational perspective. Additional lessons learned and recommendations for practice are also provided.
Presenters
Mioara DiaconuAssociate Professor, School of Social Work, Western Michigan University, Michigan, United States Steven D. Eberth
Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy, Western Michigan University, Michigan, United States Caitlin Koob
Occupational Therapy, Western Michigan University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Community-based organizations, Organizational change, Interdisciplinary community and academic collaborations, Multidisciplinary
