Offender Reentry Program (ORP)

The Offender Reentry Program (ORP) is a voluntary program designed to assist adult offenders diagnosed with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (COD), returning to the five NYC boroughs from NYS Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) prisons [primarily Sing Sing, as identified and referred to us by OMH/DOCCS] after serving a minimum sentence of 6 months for a fel-ony. ORP aims to improve community reintegration and reduce recidivism for this highly vulnerable population through evidence-based practices, intensive case management, clinical care coordination, Peer Recovery Support Services (PRSS), and linkage to NYC’s extensive programs/resources. ORP Case Man-agers/Care Coordinators and PRSS engage returnees in a working relationship while incarcerated and sustain engagement beyond release (for at least 9 months) to identify healthy/appropriate coping skills, expand problem-solving techniques, and develop an Individual Service Plan (ISP), featuring person-centered goals targeting individualized challenges related to the immediate reentry process to not only achieve long-term stability, but increase identity capital as well as restore personal success. On the day of release, participants are met by ORP staff and Forensic ICM/Housing at their designated parole office to make their initial community report, meet their reporting PO/SPO, and review their initial supervision plan (including general and/or special orders and mandated parole conditions). ORP ensures returnees maintain weekly contact with their PO/SPO, Forensic ICM/Housing, AOT/FACT, as well as any appropri-ate treatment/recovery supports to maintain compliance and reduce risk of violation or absconding from parole until 9-month discharge. Furthermore, once approved by parole supervision, returnees are connected to a full range of vocational and training opportunities (e.g., educational and/or skills training, career interests, goals for family responsibilities, job preferences, transportation, networking), by EAC’s Vocational Specialist. Participants will review their ISP (goals/objectives initially outlined in their personalized individual service plan) on a rolling basis with ORP staff, DOCCS, Forensic ICM/Housing, among other treatment team providers to identify any concerns/barriers, promote participant self-advocacy, reinforce self-preservation skills, as well as make necessary revisions to reflect the realities of adjusting to life in the community.