For information contact: Christy Hahn, Re-entry Program Coordinator, 307.777.3775, CHAHN@wdoc.state.wy.us or Melinda Brazzale, Public Information Officer, 307.777.6085, MBRAZZ@wdoc.state.wy.us
The Wyoming Department of Corrections has been awarded the Transition from Prison Community Initiative, the department announced today. The technical assistance can last up to three years.
The Transition from Prison to Community Initiative (TPC), which is sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections in conjunction with the Urban Institute and the Center for Effective Public Policy, will help states improve offenders’ transition from prison to communities, thereby increasing public safety, reducing recidivism and new victimization, and making better use of scarce resources in correctional facilities and communities.
Wyoming is one of only six states to receive the award. The others are Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas.
The overarching goals of the TPC are for released offenders to remain arrest free over the long haul, and to become competent and self-sufficient members of their communities.
“Wyoming’s selection for the TPC grant is a great opportunity for us to gain the insights of national experts, combined with Wyoming folks, in further developing our re-entry efforts,” said Steve Lindly, WDOC Deputy Director. “Evidence based re-entry programs are critical to the successful return of inmates to the community.”
The initiative’s objectives state:
- Corrections, law enforcement and human service agencies are stakeholders in the transition process. These stakeholders need to articulate and promote common interests, integrate and coordinate policies, and develop mutual ownership of an improved transition;
- Stakeholders should freely share information relating to transition within and among stakeholders’ organizations; and
- Transition should be built upon proven reforms and best practices.
For more information contact: Christy Hahn, WDOC Re-Entry Program Coordinator, 307.777.3775, CHAHN@wdoc.state.wy.us or visit the website at http://www.nicic.gov/TPCModel