Program Example

The DRC program targets high-risk parolees returning to neighborhoods in south Chicago. For the purposes of this program, high risk is defined as parolees with two or more prior incarcerations, parolees who have served a sentence of 10 or more years, and/or parolees 25 years old or younger sentenced for a violent crime.

Parolees assigned to report to the DRC must do so within 24 hours of release. There are four levels of supervision; each parolee begins at the most intensive level and works toward less intensive levels as he or she moves through the program. Parolees are assigned an individual case manager who meets with them at least once a week (and, in some cases, up to seven days a week).

All parolees undergo an extensive assessment upon entering the program that helps the case manager to develop an individualized supervision, treatment and education plan. Parolees may be assigned up to three separate rehabilitation activities per week including substance abuse education and treatment, adult basic education, GED preparation, parenting and family reintegration support group, anger management, employment skills training, and career development counseling.

Case managers prepare monthly reports for parole officers on parolees’ progress in meeting the goals of their reentry plan. Progression through the DRC is individually paced and based on the parolee’s compliance with the requirements at each level of supervision. For instance, a parolee cannot move to a reduced level of supervision until he/she has been drug free for 30 days.

Outcomes