About the Report The Report, Part II: Review of the Re-Entry Process:

chapters and policy statements:
About the Report of the Re-Entry Council

9: Development of Programming Plan

Develop, for each person incarcerated, an individualized plan that, based upon information obtained from assessments, explains what programming should be provided during the period of incarceration to ensure that his or her return to the community is safe and successful.

Overview

Full Overview »
This policy statement addresses the individualized programming plan: the strategy for addressing needs and strengths assessed during intake with programs available in prison or jail. More specifically, the programming plan establishes how a person who is in prison or jail will make the best use of his or her incarceration to improve the likelihood of success upon re-entry.

Research Highlights

Recommendations

  1. Charge new or existing positions with the responsibility of reviewing information obtained through assessments and of developing a plan that provides for the coordinated delivery of targeted services for each person admitted.
  2. Consider the primary needs, strengths and background of the individual in developing the programming plan.
  3. Ensure that all program planning incorporates the principles of cultural and gender competency.
  4. Provide opportunities for crime victims, victim advocates, family members, and community members to inform the inmate's programming plan.
  5. Engage community-based providers in the development of a programming plan.
  6. Include in the programming plan provisions for periodic reassessments to be conducted during the inmate's incarceration and for changes to be made in the plan accordingly.
  7. Establish and maintain a centralized record-keeping system as well as a system for regular communication among program planners and other prison-based staff and service providers.
  8. Creatively adapt the program planning model for shorter-term jail stays.

Related Policy Statements

  1. To the degree that individualized program planning has occurred in various correctional facilities, it has generally been called some version of "case management" and been performed by people referred to as "case managers." Given the varying definitions of case managers and case management, however, along with the particularized functions described in this policy statement, this Report refers to the blueprint for programs and services as an "individualized programming plan" and those who develop and administer such plans as "programming planners." Clearly, however, the nomenclature and exact role of the person or team charged with developing and coordinating a person's activity during his or her period of incarceration will vary from institution to institution, as evidenced by the examples included in this policy statement. back

 Our Publications

How and Why Medicaid Matters for People with Serious Mental Illness Released from Jail

Hundreds of thousands of people with mental illness are released from jail each year. Without continuity of care, they are likely to be reincarcerated. Enrollment in Medicaid increases access to treatment for people with mental illness released from jail, who typically lack other means to pay for those services.

Related Information

Special Project:
Assessment Processes