Reentry planning

We offer opportunities for inmates to prepare for life after their release.

Overview

Reentry planning begins when an inmate is committed. Within 6 months of release, planning intensifies. Through cooperation from the inmate and collaboration with the Institutional Reentry Committee, we identify the specific reentry needs of each inmate and address them. Some of the areas covered are:

  • Housing
  • Continuity of care for medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment (including making appointments)
  • Health insurance
  • Employment (resumes, JobQuest profiles, One Stop Career Center info)
  • Benefits (info about obtaining food stamps, Social Security and Disability, veteran services)
  • Probation and parole coordination
  • Victim and public safety notifications
  • Obtaining identity documents
  • Linkages to community resources

Housing

We have created a database of housing options for releasing inmates at risk for homelessness. Each prison uses a certified Housing Search Specialist to access residential programs, shelters, and sober houses as options to consider while working on reentry plans.

The Parole Board  and the DOC have collaborated to produce a post-release program called the Transitional Treatment Program (TTP). The TTP provides parolees with evidence-based structured treatment to ensure a successful transition to an aftercare plan in the community.

Health insurance and medical care

Our department partners with MassHealth to provide health insurance to releasing inmates.This trailblazing program has been nationally recognized as a model for other states to replicate. This partnership allows community access upon release to:

  • Medical services

  • Mental health services

  • Substance abuse treatment

Identity documents

We encourage inmates to obtain vital identity documents. We help them obtain:

  • Birth certificate
  • DD-214 (when applicable)
  • Driver's license or state issued ID
  • Social security card

Linkages to Community Resources

Through Reentry Orientation Presentations and Institutional Reentry Committee collaboration, inmates have the opportunity to create linkages to community resources prior to release. Some of these resources are:

  • Community Support Program
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Department of Veterans Services
  • Disabled American Veterans Services
  • Department of Public Health
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Roca, Inc.
  • SPAN
  • THRIVE
  • UTEC

Regional Reentry Centers

The Parole Board operates Regional Reentry Centers across the state. These centers help released inmates make the transition from prison to the community.

These centers are open to released inmates with no post-release supervision and are located in Springfield, Quincy, Lawrence, Framingham, Brockton, New Bedford, and Worcester.

School of Reentry

The School of Reentry at the Boston Pre-Release Center is a pilot program open to minimum security inmates. While serving the end of their sentences, inmates take part in programs to develop their:

  • Educational skills

  • Professional skills

  • Critical reasoning skills

Additional Resources for

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