Corrections_Today_January_February_2019

nEWS & vIEWS

View from the Line

Photo courtesy State Board of Pardons and Parole

Photo courtesy Georgia Department of Community Supervision

MRF’s special mission has two main objectives: 1. To provide a secure, re-entry- focused environment, which targets recidivism reduction for high need/high risk offenders who will be released into the metropolitan Atlanta commu- nity. Upon release, participants will utilize the tools obtained to sustain a law-abiding suc- cessful life. 2. To offer an extensive array of programs and services sup- porting re-entry, including but not limited to: family reunifi- cation, community volunteer assistance, vocational train- ing, employment readiness/ assistance/placement (in the Metro Atlanta area), education, health care, housing assis- tance, transportation access, evidence-based cognitive coursework, etc. All staff are trained in evidence- based risk reduction services programs, mental health, new freedom curriculum and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People which will enable all staff members to be a part of the in- terdisciplinary team. MRF provides a cultural change to support the mission of the facility. Staff encourage and support a system of earned offender opportunities: “Token” rewards,

Working together leads to safer com- munities and recidivism reduction. This one-day summit was packed from start to finish with informa- tive and engaging workshops. The plenary sessions were no less infor- mative and engaging, with speakers who brought into focus the goals and benefits of evidence-based practices. The level of commitment from agencies and non-profit organiza- tions throughout the state was evident and impressive. Individuals and organizations dedicate their time and efforts to promote the successful re-entry of prior offenders back into society, working together to help others meet their true potential and achieve both personal and profes- sional success. Georgia continues to create in- novative programs and opportunities for its citizens to engage and enhance the reform and re-entry of offend- ers. Through the committed efforts of both public and private sector organizations, greater opportunities for success exist today. These strong collaborations and evolving practices contribute to improving the lives of all Georgians. DeLana Powell is a re-entry coordinator at Georgia Correctional lndustries. Janine Robinson is a PIECP coordinator at Georgia Correctional lndustries.

offender governance, increased free- dom of movement within the facility and participation in community out- reach programs. The GDC protects the public by operating secure and safe facilities, while reducing recidivism through effective programming, education and healthcare. Advocacy efforts Collaborative advocacy among state agencies, private partners and volunteers is critical for the ongoing success of criminal justice reform in Georgia. Working together, we can positively impact the lives of indi- viduals within our criminal justice system. This positively impacts the lives of all Georgians. The annual re-entry summit pro- vided an opportunity for advocates to come together, network and develop strategies building off of each other’s strengths and experiences to further re-entry and reform efforts within Georgia. The platform for informa- tion sharing allowed vendors an opportunity to educate stakehold- ers on their program benefits and missions. Individual workshops delved, in-depth, into subjects rang- ing from faith-based practices, legal challenges and advocacy, maximiz- ing potential and bridging the gap between incarceration and success- ful integration back into society.

20 — January/February 2019 Corrections Today