A Program for Pretrial Service Agencies
GEO Reentry Services offers an innovative program that supports pretrial agencies and the judiciary to release individuals to community supervision. Building off our expertise in community-based reentry services, these outpatient and residential programs are for moderate- to high-risk pretrial defendants.
The Challenge
Many individuals on pretrial release are incarcerated for weeks if not months before and during trial because they cannot post bail. As a result, an estimated two-thirds of individuals incarcerated in jails are pretrial defendants, a costly solution that burdens jail capacity, strains staff, and prematurely degrades facilities. Holding individuals while they await trial can impair their access to justice, leads some to plead guilty simply to get released, and hurts their ability to work and support themselves and families. The impact of unnecessary pretrial detention also is reflected in overcrowded jails and the related expenses of providing health care, meals, and other costs of incarceration.
Our Approach to Pretrial Services
A high functioning pretrial agency can have many positive impacts on local justice systems. GEO Reentry can support pretrial service agencies to deliver professional services that hold individuals accountable to conditions of release, focus on court appearances, and introduce evidence-based treatment that can reduce recidivism.
- Assessment. We identify risk factors through validated risk instruments that guide a treatment program specific to the individual.
- Early Intervention. Program participants can begin a treatment process that can reduce criminal risk levels. Using a behavioral treatment plan, participants move through several phases. At each phase, risk levels for recidivating can drop.
- Accountability. Our programs are rooted in evidence-based practices, which include positive reinforcement coupled with consistent, timely, and appropriate use of sanctions for non-compliance. Staff are trained and certified in Motivational Interviewing techniques. Participants are held accountable for their actions and progress as we apply check-ins (in-person or using technology), ongoing drug and alcohol testing, court appearance reminders and, as needed, electronic monitoring.
- Group Classes. Groups include employment readiness, cognitive behavioral treatment, life skills training, and anger management.
- Case Management. Case managers work closely with individuals to help them move forward in the program, ensuring accountability, overseeing treatment and training, and connecting them with valuable local resources through our Community Connections program.
Outcomes with Pretrial Programs
By partnering with GEO Reentry, you gain expanded capability to supervise individuals on pretrial release in the community while they await court proceedings. The individuals are able to maintain jobs or educational opportunities, support themselves, and begin a treatment process that can reduce criminal risk.