Reentry Programs

The Ohio Department of Corrections has several programs specific to reentry. These reentry programs have been shown to decrease repeat offenders. Their effects on mass incarceration can be shown through data reports and research collected by the institution (as well as similar institutions). These programs include; education, family, religious services, housing, and parole. As previously discussed, the education programs help ensure that felons do not simply repeat the same criminal behavior that landed them in prison, as they have new skills to help them become productive members of society. The family programs show that inmates are not the only ones affected by their behavior. The family is forced to make an adjustment as well. These programs
These programs are not only aimed towards offenders, but also aim to make the overall community better. For example, the 3-tier-system implemented by ODRC has the purpose of reducing recidivism, however it does this internally. This program came in response to a growing culture of violence within ODRC. The level of violence was so profound that the basic needs of safety and security were not being reached. The system was put in place to weed out inmates who threatened the safety and to smooth the function of the prison systems. These inmates are removed from general population and placed into a controlled facility in order to better ensure the safety of the majority. The 3-tier-system is not a one-way street, however. The program allows for redemption; an inmate’s progress is monitored through this system with the opportunity to return to the general
The plan assessed past, present, and future approaches to reentry. The goal of the plan was to successfully return offenders to their communities and avoid their return to the prison system. The Ohio Plan was designed to be a collaborative effort with support throughout every phase of the correctional system. The plan includes working with community partners and providers, victims, the faith community, families, law enforcement, and other state agencies that have a responsibility for public safety (The Ohio Plan). The plan is not a concrete outline but rather a set of recommendations on how to proceed in the future. Offender reception in the community has been an issue since the start of reentry based institutions. The Ohio Plan attempts to address this issue head on by working together with the community. This is a vital step in decreasing mass incarceration. When offenders are sent home, the intention is for them to stay there. Repeat offenders have a lot to lose because their sentences can become compounded due to their criminal record. The six Reentry Action teams that worked on research gathering for the Ohio Plan focused on six major areas. These areas included: Offender Planning and Tracking, Offender Programming, Discharge Planning and Employment, Family Involvement, Offender Supervision, and Community Justice Partnerships (The Ohio