The Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice has developed a Detention Re-entry Pilot Program for the purpose of improving the transition of wards being released from direct state care back to their communities. The goal of the Detention Re-entry Program is to use local detention facilities to transition juvenile offenders from Juvenile Correctional Centers for a relatively short time period ranging from about 30-60 days prior to their release from direct care. The program’s intent is to establish connections with communities and families by establishing relationships with service providers, community support systems and the family prior to placement at home or other residential setting in the community. The Detention Re-entry placement will work towards preparing the youth for progressively increased responsibility and freedom. DJJ will track offenders placed in the program to determine the impact on recidivism, stable educational services and employment.
Institutional staff and parole officers will work closely together to identify residents that will benefit from this transitional service. Both institutional staff and parole officers will identify youths’ service needs and plan for how those needs will be addressed during transition and parole. Links to community resources are essential in the development of the transition plan. Interventions will focus on family, education, employment, treatment services and community re-integration. The parole officer will broker services through an array of community agencies and resources.
Parole officers will be able to visit wards more frequently and establish a more defined personal relationship before release from incarceration. The family will be encouraged to increase visits to the resident, and services are to be provided to improve the reintegration process with the family.
Education provided at the detention center in many cases will be in the same school district to which the ward will return upon release, thus facilitating the reenrollment process. In those cases where a center accepts wards who are 18 years or older and who have completed high school or received their GED, wards may participate in employability programs and work release to assist in maintaining stable employment immediately upon release. Transportation to work sites may be part of the services provided by the participating detention homes or by public transportation where feasible. Transportation may also be provided by parole officers or parents as deemed appropriate.
Only those detention facilities wishing to participate will be included in the pilot. Services provided by the detention facility include housing, meals, and basic medical services. Any clothing or personal goods required beyond that normally provided to a detention facility resident will be purchased by DJJ. All services, provisions and transportation will be addressed in an individual Memorandum of Agreement between participating detention facilities and DJJ.
This pilot program will be funded by a General Assembly appropriation, which includes both placement and services. The funding allows for services to begin during the placement phase so that upon release the family and resident will have established relationships with the service providers.
The Department looks forward to developing this innovative partnership with local detention facilities. Four detention facilities have submitted proposals to join with the Department in piloting this program. They are Shenandoah, Newport News, Merrimac and Lynchburg. An open ended invitation has been extended to all detention facilities for participation in this program. As we move forward with the current pilot sites, track success, and obtain feedback from CSUs and detention facilities, it is hoped that other local detention facilities may consider participation.
The Department is striving to enhance the re-entry process for our parolees to promote a positive adjustment and impact recidivism. Evidence indicates that strong family support and community connections can increase the likelihood of success. This program strives to meet these objectives.
(Ms. Valentine is a Community Programs Manager at the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice's central headquarters. She was also the recipient of VJJA's 2006 Meritorious Award in the Area of Administration).
