Presentation Outline

• Why we need a prisoner reentry program

• What is happening with MPRI statewide

• What is happening locally

• How you can help

Questions

The Costof Failure• $2 billion FY ’09 for the Michigan Department of Corrections operations

• $30,000 annually per person

• $45,000 for physically and mentally ill

The recidivism rate in Washtenaw County was 76%!

Why Do Parolees Fail?

• Barriers to housing & employment

• Difficulty in qualifying for mental services

• No strong network of positive support

• Criminological thinking

Offers an Alternate Vision

MPRI Vision

The VISION of the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Initiativeis that every inmate released from prison will have the

tools needed to succeed in the community.

MPRI Mission

To reduce crime by implementinga seamless plan of services and supervision

developed with each offender –delivered through state and local collaboration

– from the time of their entry to prisonthrough their transition, reintegration

and aftercare in the community.

A Statewide Plan

• MPRI piloted nine areas in 2005 – including Wayne county

• Washtenaw was one of seven “Round 2” sites

• As of 2007 all counties in Michigan now have MPRI programs

• Parolees return to their home counties

Implementation of the 18 MPRI regions

MPRI Begins in Prison• Prisoners were sent to any state facility based on custody level and available bed space

• With MPRI, prisoners are sent to a facility nearest their home community 2 months prior to release

• ReEntry services are provided by MDOC during this time

Transition Teams• A risk assessment (COMPAS) and Transition Accountability Plan (TAP) is created for each prisoner

• A Transition Team (TT) of community providers/ volunteers meets individually with prisoners

• TT’s begin service delivery immediately, and continue after release for 6 months

Washtenaw Statistics• Each year approximately 300 prisoners return to their homes in Washtenaw

• 92% are men

• 8% are women

• 60% are African American

• 37% are white

• 3% are other ethnic minorities

Where Do Parolees Live?

Baseline as of 9/06:

• Ypsilanti Township: - 32%

• Ann Arbor - 25%

• City of Ypsilanti: - 19.5%

• Other county locations: - 10.5%

• Superior Township: - 8.5%

• Pittsfield Township - 2%

MPRI Local Model• Catholic Social Services is our Administrative Agency

• Parnall in Jackson & Huron Valley Women’s Facility in Ypsilanti are our “feeder” facilities

• Our Steering Team includes Corrections, Law Enforcement, Human Services & Faith Based leaders, as well as people who have been incarcerated

• Our Advisory Council is open to all interested members of the community

• MPRI is not a new service provider agency

What is the MPRI Local Plan?• Comprehensive Case Management services for every returning citizen

• Engagement immediately upon release

• Activities for 70% of time over 90 days

• Replacement of criminal/using community with positive communities

• Referrals to existing resources

• Emergency housing

Local Plan Continued• Permanent Housing referrals

• Employment services, mentoring and placements

• Family reunification & education

• ID & transportation assistance

• Substance abuse & mental health services

• Local law enforcement contact

A Community ProblemThe MDOC cannot solve recidivismRecidivism is a community problemMPRI is a community collaboration

There are many ways to help: • Become a “Community Coach” • Hire an MPRI Participant • Help fill funding gaps • Help reduce stigma

MPRI Participants receive support and supervision from:

• Parole Agents

• Case Managers

• MPRI Interns

• Community Coaches

CommunityCoach RoleMentor a person newlyreleased from prison fora period of 6 months

Engage MPRI participant in positive activities such as:

• Setting school/personal/career goals• Everyday/conflict management• Drug and alcohol-free activities

Encourage strong work ethic and delayed gratification

Coach Training and Matching

Coaches receive extensive training and will becarefully matched with a MPRI participant

according to gender, age, interests and experienceand must be approved by both parties.

Being a Community Coach• One-on-one mentoring

• Group mentoring– Washtenaw Community College

• Pre and Post Enrollment– MPRI Intensive Supportive

Housing (MISH)• Addresses issues of substance

abuse, finding a job, and finding permanent housing

• MPRI Sponsored Pro-Social Activities– Community Connection Dinners,

Movie Nights, Bowling, etc.

• Reduce Crime in Our Communities

• Inspire Someone to Create a Better Life

• Learn About the Criminal Justice System

• Share Your Knowledge and Experience

• Decrease Stigma for Those Returning From Prison

• Develop a Meaningful Relationship

Your Benefits

Help Reduce Stigma

• Encourage Employers to Hire MPRI Participants

• Engage in Public Education

• Support the MPRI program

Thank You!

For your time today, for your support, for your questions.

Please sign MPRI Interest Sheet if you would liketo be contacted or join our e-mail group

Mary KingMPRI Washtenaw CountyCommunity Coordinator(734) 327-9717washtenawmpri@gmail.com

Robby BerlinVolunteer/Mentor Coordinator(734) 327-9717 robby.mpri@gmail.com

Washtenaw CountyMPRI Program