Overview
DOCCS continues to be a major partner in the statewide prisoner re-entry initiative to reduce crime by coordinating services for individuals from incarceration through community supervision that will ensure successful reintegration.
REO builds partnerships with New York state, county, local offices and service providers to facilitate access to housing, benefits, educational, employment and supportive services for parolees.
NYS Partnerships
DOCCS partnerships include:
COUNTY REENTRY TASK FORCES (CRTFs)
The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) has provided grants to 20 counties across New York State to establish CRTFs. CRTFs are designed to devise community-specific re-entry strategies and to coordinate services for citizens under community supervision who have completed a term of incarceration.
CRTFs employ re-entry coordinators who work with a diverse group of agencies, including DOCCS, local law enforcement, probation, and mental health and service providers to identify gaps in service and to provide coordinated efforts for individuals under community supervision identified as high risk to recidivate and as possessing serious criminogenic needs that can be difficult to address.
OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH (OMH)
DOCCS currently works with OMH to execute the Parole Support and Treatment Program (PSTP). The PSTP consists of supported housing and a blended case management program designed to facilitate community re-entry for parolees with serious mental illness. Its goal is linking eligible individuals to programs that offer long-term housing and appropriate community services before their term of supervision expires.
OFFICE OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES (OASAS)
DOCCS currently collaborates with OASAS in using diversion programs to assist individuals who relapse to avoid re-incarceration. The Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Pre-Release Pilot Program is designed to provide treatment for persons identified as suffering from opioid use disorder who re-enter communities from specialized facilities. Following the success of MAT at Edgecombe Residential Treatment Facility in New York City, pilot programs have expanded upstate to Hale Creek Correctional Facility and Orleans Correctional Facility, as well as the Willard Drug Treatment Campus.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR (DOL)
Since launching "Work for Success" Initiative in 2012, DOCCS has been an integral partner with the New York State DOL in providing formerly incarcerated job readiness training and employment referrals. This joint effort has assisted in successfully reintegrating and stabilizing many individuals.