Recidivism is a community problem, not just a criminal justice problem. In 2020, 14 percent of those arrested in New York City were later rearrested for committing another crime. This unfortunate cycle jeopardizes the safety and security of the community. To slow (and hopefully stop) the revolving door, EAC Network’s Offender Reentry Program (ORP) provides direct support services that ease an often challenging transition back into the community.
The Problem of Recidivism in America
Recidivism is a term for an individual’s relapse into criminal behavior, often after being released from incarceration. This societal problem has a direct impact on the strength of our communities. It directly correlates to higher crime rates and larger government expenditures.
Why the Cycle Exists and Persists
Incarceration carries a significant stigma, creating obstacles to gainful employment, permanent housing, and public assistance. On top of those challenges, a lack of sufficient post-incarceration assistance and services makes transitions back into the community more difficult.
What ORP Does to Break the Cycle
From the first contact in prison, transition to independence in the community is the consistent goal of EAC Network’s Offender Reentry Program. This voluntary program assists both male and female offenders living with co-occurring substance misuse and/or mental health disorders who are reentering the community after serving more than six months for a felony in the New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS).
How We Guide Offender Reentry into the Community
To ease the transition, our Clinical Care Coordinators and Case Managers build working relationships with individual offenders while they are incarcerated. Then, they continue that engagement through their release into the community.
We assist with:
- Identifying healthy coping skills
- Learning problem-solving techniques
- Developing an Individual Service Plan (ISP) with person-centered goals focused on their individualized community reentry challenges
Our Offender Reentry Program addresses the typical obstacles to community reintegration and reduces the risks of recidivism through:
- Evidence-based practices
- Care coordination services
- A peer support network
- Linking program participants to New York City’s extensive clinical services
- Career development and vocational counseling
When offenders are released, they are met by their Clinical Care Coordinator and Case Manager at their dedicated parole office to who make their initial community report. In addition, our on-site Vocational Specialist connects each returnee to a full range of vocational and training opportunities to give them the best chance of success.
Support Our Mission to Empower, Assist, Care for Your Community!
EAC Network is a not-for-profit social service agency that serves more than 40,000 individuals in need with over 100 programs and services located throughout Greater New York. Our Behavioral Health and Criminal Justice Services Division works in tandem with the criminal justice system to assist individuals who are living with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Our Offender Reentry Program is one way EAC Network is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals living within our communities every day.
Consider making a donation today to support our vital mission.
