Imagine You Are A Case Manager You Need To Identify Goals
Imagine You Are A Case Manager You Need To Identify Goals And Strateg
Imagine you are a case manager. You need to identify goals and strategies involved in the prerelease planning stage of the re-entry process for inmates and offenders to help support a plan for successful rehabilitation upon release. Choose one offender from the following populations: a juvenile with no supports, an elderly person with health issues, or a female who wants to reintegrate back with her children. Conduct research on the following goals related to the re-entry process:
- Goal 1: Address housing needs of inmates post-incarceration.
- Goal 2: Assist inmates in obtaining employment post-release.
- Goal 3: Provide resources for mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment during and after incarceration.
- Goal 4: Connect offenders with appropriate government benefits.
Write a 1,300-word re-entry plan with evidence-based strategies to describe strategies for meeting these goals. For each goal, include:
- A description of the goal and how it relates to reducing recidivism.
- Two strategies that support the goal, with an explanation of how each activity benefits the offender in the long term.
- An analysis of any potential barriers based on gender, age, race, or other needs of the selected population.
- Three activities or strategies that would contribute to the success of the client in achieving these goals and maintaining success in the community.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Re-entry planning is a critical component of the criminal justice process aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful community reintegration for offenders. Effective prerelease strategies involve addressing various needs such as housing, employment, health care, and benefits, all tailored to the specific circumstances of the offender. This paper focuses on a female offender seeking to reintegrate with her children, exploring comprehensive strategies aligned with key re-entry goals. The plan emphasizes evidence-based approaches designed to overcome potential barriers and foster long-term stability and community engagement.
Recipient Profile and Rationale
The selected offender is a female with children, aiming to reenter her community after incarceration. This demographic often faces unique challenges including childcare responsibilities, societal stigma, and limited economic opportunities. Her reintegration success hinges on tailored interventions that support family reunification, mental health, and economic stability, all essential in reducing recidivism.
Goal 1: Address Housing Needs of Inmates Post-Incarceration
Housing stability is foundational to desistance from crime. Secure, stable housing reduces the likelihood of homelessness and enables offenders to focus on other reintegration strategies such as employment and family reintegration. For the female offender reuniting with her children, stable housing is essential to foster a safe environment and strengthen familial bonds, thereby reducing the likelihood of recidivism driven by unstable living conditions (Bahr, 2018).
Strategies for Housing
Strategy 1: Collaboration with Transitional Housing Programs
Partnering with transitional housing providers ensures that the offender has access to safe, supported living environments immediately upon release. Transitional housing offers structured environments with supportive services, helping women address housing instability while managing responsibilities such as childcare. In the long-term, stable housing acts as a foundation that supports employment and mental health, reducing recidivism (Johnson & Reynolds, 2017). However, potential barriers include limited availability of gender-specific programs and stigma about licensing and suitability.
Strategy 2: Assistance with Permanent Housing Applications
Providing dedicated case management to assist with housing applications increases access to long-term housing options such as subsidized apartments or housing vouchers. This strategy facilitates a transition from temporary to stable housing, minimizing transitional gaps that may lead to homelessness or reoffending. Long-term stability in housing creates the necessary environment for family reunification and personal growth, thereby promoting community stability (Sampson & Laub, 2019). Barriers may include rental discrimination based on criminal history or economic limitations.
Activities to Sustain Housing Success
1. Engagement with local housing authorities and nonprofits to prioritize placements for formerly incarcerated women.
2. Continuous case management to monitor housing stability and address emergent challenges.
3. Development of a safety plan for housing security, including emergency resources and community contacts.
Goal 2: Assist Inmates in Obtaining Employment Post-Release
Employment supports economic independence and community integration, directly impacting recidivism reduction by providing stability and purpose. For a female offender with children, employment also enhances her ability to provide for her family, fostering motivation to maintain sobriety and avoid criminal activity (Visher & Travis, 2018).
Strategies for Employment
Strategy 1: Job Readiness and Skills Training Programs
Participation in tailored vocational training enhances employability by developing marketable skills aligned with local labor market demands. Targeted job readiness workshops improve resume writing, interview skills, and workplace expectations. These activities empower the offender to gain sustainable employment, which in turn reduces the likelihood of reoffending (Bishop & Berman, 2020). Barriers might include limited program availability or employer discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals.
Strategy 2: Connecting with Transitional and Supported Employment Services
Facilitating contact with supported employment agencies can bridge the gap between training and actual employment. These agencies often partner with local businesses to place ex-offenders, providing on-the-job training and mentorship. Long-term benefits include continuous employment, skills development, and financial stability, all critical in decreasing recidivism (Pager, 2019). Certain barriers include employer biases and transportation issues.
Activities to Support Employment Success
1. Resume development workshops and mock interviews.
2. Collaboration with local employers to create incentives for hiring re-entering women.
3. Ongoing mentorship and job coaching during placement.
Goal 3: Provide Resources for Mental Health, Medical, and Substance Abuse Treatment
Addressing mental health and substance use issues is vital for successful re-entry, as untreated conditions increase the risk of relapse and reoffending. For women with children, mental health support also benefits family dynamics, fostering a stable home environment (Henning et al., 2019).
Strategies for Health and Substance Abuse
Strategy 1: Comprehensive Pre-Release Health Assessments
Conducting thorough health assessments identifies medical, mental health, and substance use needs prior to release. Tailored treatment plans can be initiated within incarceration, ensuring continuity post-release. The benefit includes stabilization of health issues, reducing health-related challenges that could derail re-entry efforts (Franklin et al., 2020). Barriers include resource limitations within correctional settings.
Strategy 2: Establishing Linkages to Community-Based Healthcare
Creating strong referral pathways to community health providers ensures ongoing treatment. Regular appointments, medication management, and peer support groups facilitate sustained recovery and mental wellness, which is crucial for community stability (Bloch et al., 2018). Challenges include transportation and insurance coverage.
Activities to Sustain Health and Wellness
1. Arranging initial appointments within 72 hours of release.
2. Providing transportation vouchers for medical appointments.
3. Securing Medicaid or other benefits to fund ongoing treatment.
Goal 4: Connect Offenders with Appropriate Government Benefits
Access to government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides essential resources for stability, reducing stressors that could lead to re-offending. For a woman reintegrating with children, these benefits support their needs and promote independence.
Strategies for Benefits Access
Strategy 1: Benefits Application Assistance
Case managers can support the application process, ensuring timely access to benefits. Clear guidance on documentation and eligibility increases uptake, providing a safety net for basic needs. Long-term, continued benefits promote financial stability and reduce recidivism risks (Miller & Simon, 2018). Barriers include stigma and bureaucratic delays.
Strategy 2: Benefits Education and Outreach
Providing education about available benefits and how to access them empowers women to utilize resources effectively. Regular outreach enhances sustained engagement and promotes self-sufficiency, decreasing reliance on criminal activity. Challenges may involve misinformation or misunderstanding of benefits.
Activities to Maintain Benefits and Utility
1. Conducting benefits orientation sessions shortly after release.
2. Follow-up support for recertification and renewals.
3. Collaboration with social service agencies for integrated support.
Conclusion
The successful reintegration of a female offender wishing to reunify with her children necessitates a multidimensional approach focusing on housing, employment, health, and benefits. Evidence-based strategies, tailored to her needs and potential barriers, can significantly reduce the likelihood of recidivism and promote sustainable community engagement. Continuous support, education, and collaboration across sectors are essential elements in fostering long-term success and strengthening family bonds.
References
- Bahr, S. J. (2018). The impact of housing on recidivism: A review of the evidence. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 57(2), 157-176.
- Bishop, D. M., & Berman, R. (2020). Enhancing employability of formerly incarcerated women through targeted vocational programs. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 117, 103325.
- Bloch, M., Eaves, E., & Bell, J. (2018). Connecting reentrants to healthcare: Strategies and outcomes. Healthcare Research & Policy, 3(2), 45-52.
- Franklin, C., et al. (2020). Medical and mental health needs of justice-involved women: Barriers and facilitators. Journal of Correctional Health Care, 26(1), 46-55.
- Henning, M. A., et al. (2019). Mental health and substance use treatment for female offenders: Challenges and solutions. Psychiatric Services, 70(7), 542-548.
- Johnson, H., & Reynolds, P. (2017). Stable housing and recidivism: An integrated view. Housing Policy Debate, 27(4), 615-640.
- Miller, A., & Simon, D. (2018). Access to social benefits and recidivism: Empirical evidence. Social Service Review, 92(2), 230-255.
- Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (2019). Crime and life-course transitions among disadvantaged youth. Annual Review of Sociology, 45, 243-262.
- Visher, C. A., & Travis, J. (2018). Life after prison: Tracking employment and family reintegration. Criminology & Public Policy, 17(3), 663-674.