Ex-offender Reentry Programs Toolkit In light of high recidivism rates, many faith-based organizations are realizing the need to get involved in providing help to ex-offenders. This toolkit draws on materials from a variety of proven ex-offender reentry programs to provide advice, information, and practical implementation and evaluation tools for faith leaders interested in launching their own aftercare programs. Project Development Tools 1. Basic Steps In Starting an Ex-Offender Ministry This brief checklist provides a quick overview of the essential steps in launching a new outreach to ex-offenders. 2. Steps and Timeline for Starting a “Meet Me at the Gate” Program This article provides a listing of the activities necessary for a church to undertake in developing the Koinonia House National Ministries (KHNM) style of post-prison ministry of biblical discipleship for Christian neighbors coming out of prison. 3. Issues to Consider Before Launching an Aftercare Center for Ex-Offenders This checklist of questions will help practitioners hone in on key issues to think through before starting an after-care facility. 4. Checklist for Preparing to Develop a Housing Program for Ex-Offenders This list of questions will help FBO leaders “cover the bases” when pre-planning a potential housing outreach for ex-offenders.
Project Implementation Tools Mentoring Ex-Offenders
1. Needs Form This form will help ex-offenders think through what their immediate needs upon release will be and will serve to communicate these needs to the mentors and/or mentor organization. 2. Sample Mentor Application This is a useful sample application for those desiring to become mentors. It will enable mentor organizations to get important information about the prospective mentors as well as screen for potential problems. 3. Do’s and Don'ts for Mentees This short list of guidelines can be given to ex-offenders who have joined a Christian mentoring program. It will help them set realistic expectations for the relationship and understand pitfalls they can avoid. 4. Sample Release Form for Mentors This is a sample Release of Liability for mentors. It helps to provide liability protection for the mentor organization. 5. Sample Mentor Reference Form This is a sample form for references of prospective mentors to recommend or not recommend the mentor applicant for participation in the mentoring program. 6. Curriculum Review of Mentor Training Manual for New Mentors The manual provides practical training and instruction for Christians who will be entering mentoring relationships with offenders, either during or after their incarceration. Life Skills Programs for Ex-Offenders 7. Developing Positive Leisure Activities This form is designed to help ex-offenders think through their habits and leisure activities, pinpoint those that cause problems for them, and find habits and activities to substitute. 8. Curriculum Review of Preparing for Success on the Outside This article overviews a four-month Biblically based course to help inmates prepare for release from prison. The curriculum covers topics including attitudes, finances, employment, and goal setting. 9. Review of As Free As An Eagle: The Inmate’s Family Survival Guide This guide is designed to help inmates avoid returning to prison by taking responsibility for their actions and repairing or improving their family relationships. *10. Curriculum Review of Continuing to Cage Your Rage Series This curriculum helps inmates learn to manage their anger and avoid aggressive actions. Jobs Programs for Ex-Offenders 11. Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters A easy and quick read, this excerpt will prepare ex-offenders for their job hunt by orienting them to cover letters – what works and what should be avoided. *12. Self-Evaluation Profile Ex-offenders can use this questionnaire to help them identify their strengths and weaknesses on a variety of job-related skills. 13. Curriculum Review of I Need a J-O-B! This provides an overview of a faith-based resource designed to help ex-offenders prepare for the difficult task of finding a job following their release from prison. 14. Curriculum Review of Putting the Bars Behind You Workbook Package This is an overview of a curriculum from Jist Publishing that helps ex-offenders develop life skills, identify their strengths and skills, develop job search and job retention skills, and network and interview for jobs. 15. Answering Questions About Your Criminal Record (permission pending) This short article offers ex-offenders practical tips on answering the toughest question they’ll face in a job interview. Project Evaluation Tools 1. Sample Mentoring Relationship Evaluation Form This form helps mentors consider and record the status of their relationship with their mentee in a variety of areas. *2. Sample Participant Evaluation Form from “Meet Me at the Gate” This form allows leaders in the program to think critically about the ex-offender's progress in the Meet Me at the Gate discipleship program after the orientation period and decide whether or not it is appropriate to move him or her to the next level. *3. Sample Participant Self-Evaluation Form from “Meet Me at the Gate” Ex-offenders participating in this program use this form to self-assess their progress at various intervals during the course of the program | 
