Recommendations and Evaluation Tools
Severe and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative
Colorado Department of Correctional Services Svori Overview
This is an overview of the SVORI–funded Colorado Department of Correctional Services work plan. SJAC is positioned to provide serves to phase 2 and phase 3 of the program.
Colorado has one SVORI grantee (Colorado Department of Correctional Services) serving adults returning to four zip codes in metropolitan Denver. The SVORI target population is individuals who are in need of intensive services upon release. The line chart below provides statistics on adult prison admission and release trends in Colorado over a 24–year period.
Nebraska Adult Prison Admissions and Releases, 1978–2002
Data Management System
Colorado Department of Correctional Services has a correctional database that can be queried to identify offenders who participate in the Reentry Program. Local evaluation is planned at Denver's College of Public Affairs and Community Services. The University of Colorado is conducting the local evaluation.
Population type: Male adults
Number of targeted prisoners: 201+
Inclusion criteria: Ages 18–35, identified as "violent" by the Colorado Board of Parole, identified as "high risk" on assessment, with tentative release dates equal to or less than 5 years.
Exclusion criteria: Sex offenders, the severely mentally ill, and offenders serving life sentences.
Pre–release facilities: All State prisons
Post–release locations: Four Omaha zip codes: 68104, 68110, 68111, and 68131
Participation: Voluntary
Legal release status: Most participants will be under parole supervision, though offenders who are released at expiration of their sentences will not be automatically excluded.
System–level changes
- Increased enthusiasm
- Future expansion of the program throughout the State
Individual–level changes • Participants are moved to a pre–release facility (Community Correctional Center Colorado) before release, where they receive specialized reentry services.
Phase 1: Institutionally–based Programs
Duration: At least 1 year
Assessments: Risk assessment designed by the Colorado Board of Parole
Components/services offered within phase:
- Personalized Reentry Program Plan (PREPP), which is designed for each offender at the time of admission
- Participants are moved to a pre–release facility (Community Correctional Center—Denver) before release
- Case management
- Specific targeted services include, as needed, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, medical and dental services, life skills training, parenting skills training, domestic violence counseling, employment programs, education, housing assistance, anger management, and faith– based services
Coordination of services: • One year prior to an offender's parole, the reentry team begins exploring community treatment and programming options. The team is made up of the prisoner, a case manager, law enforcement, the Parole Board, a parole officer, transition manager, treatment providers, community service providers, family and community members, and a representative from victim advocacy groups.
Phase 2: Community–based Transition
Duration: Variable
Assessments: Ongoing risk assessment
Components/services offered within phase:
- PREPP revised
- Transition plan created
- Supervision program developed
- Specific targeted services include, as needed, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, medical and dental services, life skills training, parenting skills training, domestic violence counseling, employment programs, education, housing assistance, anger management, and faith– based services.
Coordination of services: • Reentry team
Phase 3: Community–based Long–term Support
Duration: Up to 2 years
Assessments: Ongoing risk assessment
Components/services offered within phase:
- Revision of Reentry Plan to include services available after release from parole
- Assistance in finding employment
- Specific targeted services include, as needed, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, medical and dental services, life skills training, parenting skills training, domestic violence counseling, employment programs, education, housing assistance, anger management, and faith– based services
Coordination of services: • Reentry team will change to consist of those community programs that have longevity and can provide services to offenders after release from parole.
Community–based Treatment Model
