U.S. Department of Justice
| EXOFFENDER REENTRY RESOURCE | | |  |  | Checklist for Preparing to Develop A Housing Program for Ex-Offenders Excerpted from Guide for Developing Housing for Ex-Offenders, U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 2004, pp. 15-16. Consider the following questions to help you prepare to launch a housing program for ex-offenders: Leadership Issues - Do the leaders have the commitment to operate and promote the program?
- Do the leaders have the experience to operate the program successfully?
- Do the leaders have a proven track record?
Stakeholders - Have the outreach efforts been successful in identifying stakeholders and bringing them together?
- Have sufficient time and effort been invested in ensuring that stakeholders have a commitment to the program?
Financial Issues - Is there a financial plan that includes an operating budget, an accounting system, and a long-range financial development guide?
- Has long-term funding been obtained that will sustain the program over time?
Replication Issues - Can this program design be readily replicated in other communities?
- Would the stakeholders be willing to share operating information and train others interested in replicating the design?
Reporting Systems and Monitoring - Is there a management information system designed to collect relevant data for essential program planning and management use? Does the system include the following elements?
1) Monitoring tool for the program. 2) Evaluation instrument for short- and long-term performance. 3) Reporting process for stakeholders and funding sources. 4) Experience-based report: what works and what doesn't. 5) Communication plan. Built-in Evaluation Has an evaluation element been included in the program design? | | | | |
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Office of Justice Programs Visit this site Summary: Since 1984 the Office of Justice Programs has provided federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, improve the criminal and juvenile justice systems, increase knowledge about crime and related issues, and assist crime victims. OJP's senior management team - comprised of the Assistant Attorney General (AAG), the Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG), and the five bureau heads - works together with dedicated managers and line staff to carry out this mission. Why does FASTEN recommend this resource? This office of the U.S. Department of Justice provides information regarding funding, training, statistics and research about the justice system, fighting crime, and crime victims. | | | | |
|  |  | Guide for Developing Housing for Ex-Offenders Published by the U.S. Department of Justice, 2004 Purchase Now! Summary: This brief guide is a helpful tool for groups interested in developing housing for ex-offenders. It sets forth several factors that should be examined as a program is developed, including: - the specific segment of the ex-offender population that will be served;
- the type of housing to be provided;
- the stakeholders to be included in each phase of the project;
- the sources and availability of funds; and
- the management capacity for the program.
In addition, it provides a checklist of reminders of issues to consider during the development of a housing program. Case studies of successful housing programs for ex-offenders are included as models for those considering starting such a program. Why does FASTEN recommend this resource? Lack of housing is a typical factor contributing to recidivism. To help ex-offenders avoid returning to prison, it is vital that more housing programs for ex-offenders be developed. This concise and straightforward guide, based upon the suggestions of practitioners experienced in working with ex-offenders, provides those interested in starting housing programs with the information they need to launch their program. | | | | |
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