Once effective supports and interventions are identified, the challenge remains to offer these supports to real people who are leaving custody and entering the community—and to do so in a way that helps them and avoids harm. Several general considerations should guide the implementation of reentry support, including the three discussed in this chapter.

Need for Training

For any program to provide effective support, program participants and staff must have specific training and skills. For example, reentry programs must include trauma-informed training (discussed in Chapter 7) that supports staff in identifying signs of trauma and avoiding retraumatizing anyone involved with the program. Training staff at all levels and across all service areas (e.g., corrections, health and social services, and peer workers) ensures that everyone in a program is aware of the sources and effects of trauma for both clients and staff.

Anti-stigma training is also important for providers who serve reentry populations with mental disorders. Anti-stigma training, such as that provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can increase understanding and empathy towards the reentry population. NAMI’s 15-hour training program is specifically designed for anyone working directly with people affected by mental disorders: “It’s an experience that equips participants with a deeper understanding of mental [disorders] and the confidence to serve individuals and families in a collaborative manner” (National Alliance on Mental Illness [NAMI], n.d.-a). Consider reading more about the training offered by NAMI for providers at this link: NAMI Provider—National Alliance on Mental Illness [Website].

Monitoring and Evaluation

Another consideration when implementing reentry programming is ensuring that there are ways to monitor the interventions offered and evaluate their impact. People with mental disorders who are reentering the community from criminal custody have complex needs that can change over time. Services for this population will also change and grow, and it is important to track this evolution. Programs should be looking at and measuring outcomes for participants related to criminal justice involvement (e.g., recidivism) as well as to other factors, including substance use, mental health, housing, employment, education, and overall well-being. Organizations should be able to share their findings. People want to see results, and results translate into continued support and funding.

Equitable Implementation

Yet another key consideration is ensuring equity in reentry programs. Historical inequities in both the behavioral health and criminal justice systems adversely affect many people (e.g., people of color and people with disabilities) who are returning to their communities from jail and prison. Understanding and explicitly addressing disparities and inequities in program planning and implementation ensures the culture, history, values, experiences, and needs of people reentering the community are central to reentry programs and services. Equitable hiring, pay, and promotion policies will ensure staff and peers feel supported and should increase staff retention. Data can be used to ensure that a program is implemented equitably and to avoid disparate outcomes or access issues. For example, programs should monitor—with attention to equity—questions such as: who has access to peer support, who receives supportive housing, and who returns to jail within 30 days (figure 8.14).

Additionally, program materials and services should support and be respectful of clients’ race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, incarceration history, and other individual characteristics or experiences. Considering individuals’ intersecting identities and experiences is key to ensuring equitable access to programs for all participants.

Licenses and Attributions for Implementing Effective Reentry Programs

Open Content, Shared Previously

“Implementing Effective Reentry Programs” is adapted from Best Practices for Successful Reentry From Criminal Justice Settings for People Living With Mental Health Conditions and/or Substance Use Disorders by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is in the Public Domain. Modifications, by Anne Nichol, licensed under CC BY 4.0, include condensing, revising and expanding the content.

Figure 8.14. Photo by BETZY AROSEMENA is licensed under the Unsplash License.