Centers reduce recidivism for individuals on parole
BOCA RATON, FL. — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), in conjunction with the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), has selected GEO Reentry Services to renew an agreement to operate eight non-residential reentry centers for individuals on parole. Three of the centers are located in Los Angeles County, including Pomona, Compton and Antelope Valley. The other centers involved are in San Diego, Orange, San Joaquin, Contra Costa and Solano counties. GEO Reentry also operates another non-residential reentry program for CDCR, not part of this agreement, in Santa Clara. In total, approximately 560 individuals on parole are served at these reentry centers daily.
These non-residential reentry programs deliver services for individuals on parole who chronically fail conditions of release or are treatment resistant. Individuals go to the centers regularly for treatment, training and connections to local resources in an effort to reduce recidivism. Each program is staffed by licensed therapists, counselors, behavior change managers, a vocational/educational manager and administrative staff.
“We appreciate the vote of confidence from California corrections officials for the work we are doing in partnership with the state,” said John Thurston, GEO Reentry’s Vice President of Non-residential Reentry. “California community corrections continues to evolve to enhance public safety, and we are pleased to continue to partner with the state to deliver evidence-based programs designed to reduce recidivism.”
Services are available seven days a week. By referring higher risk individuals to a non-residential reentry center, parole agents are better able to manage their overall caseloads. Those referred to one of these centers may participate for up to six months, and then go through an aftercare program to help avoid relapse to criminal behavior.
Parole agents refer individuals on parole to the program directly from prison or as an intermediate sanction. GEO Reentry combines daily reporting to the center with classes that:
- Reduce recidivism
- Target employment or school enrollment
- Generate significant savings for taxpayers
- Alter criminal attitudes and behavior
GEO Reentry monitors the behavior of individuals referred to the centers with daily check-ins, drug testing and case management. Program participants receive ongoing cognitive behavioral treatment to help break cycles of criminal behavior. Classes include substance abuse education and treatment; adult basic education; Life Skills development; cognitive behavioral treatment; parenting; domestic violence prevention; anger management; employment skills building and career development counseling; and relapse prevention aftercare. Additionally, GEO Reentry delivers a program called Community Connections, which links parolees to valuable local resources for housing, health services, and additional counseling services.
About GEO Reentry Services
GEO Reentry Services operates non-residential programs such as day reporting centers, in-prison treatment services, and residential reentry centers for federal, state and local correctional agencies. By combining research-based treatment and counseling services for individuals on parole, probation, pretrial, or incarcerated, GEO Reentry assists community correctional agencies with important public safety efforts.