Twenty-two men and women turned their tassel after finding themselves on a new path. They are graduates of a non-residential reentry program in Baton Rouge which seeks to help those who are on probation or parole transition back into society. One graduate said this day was a long time coming. “With me coming home and getting established, I needed somewhere that I could be with people helping me get on my feet,” Simpson said.
Louisiana’s Baton Rouge Probation and Parole Office and GEO Reentry Services hosted the graduation ceremony for participants of the Baton Rouge Day Reporting Center, an intensive supervision program for individuals on probation and parole. GEO Reentry staff, family members, community partner agencies, DOC officials and others attended the event recognizing program graduates’ accomplishments. The event was an opportunity for the participants and their support network to celebrate successfully completing this unique program designed to reduce criminal behavior.
NBC News was there to capture the event live.
The Baton Rouge DRC offers evidence-based programming designed for individuals on probation and parole and successfully prepare them for life after jail or prison. The center is one of several that the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections selected GEO Reentry to operate in Louisiana locations statewide.
Program participants receive the ongoing treatment needed to help break cycles of criminal behavior. Classes include cognitive behavioral therapy, employment readiness and career development, Community Connections, including links to community service providers, Adult Basic Education and GED prep resources and referrals, Life skills and parenting classes, and drug and alcohol classes.
“They don’t close the door on you. They listen. That is what is best for a person who is coming from a facility. They are here to help you,” said a graduate.