Overview

Inmate Re-Entry and the "Portal of Entry" Concept

Re-Entry is a process intended to assist inmates being released from prison and offenders under community supervision to become law abiding citizens. The goal is to reduce recidivism, which will result in safer communities, fewer crimes and fewer victims. The Department's "Portal of Entry" concept is built on a continuum of care framework. Within this framework, pre and post release re-entry programs and services are available for the inmates nearing release and continued upon release in the community. Effective use of Re-Entry focused interventions will reduce the likelihood of an inmate's return to prison by targeting areas, proven by research, to reduce recidivism.

Inmate Re-Entry and the "Portal of Entry" Concept

The Portal of Entry is a designated release site for offenders who are sentenced to local jail, state or federal prison and returning to a specific county upon release. The Department currently has Portals of Entry in Duval, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Palm Beach County. At designated Portal sites, services include, but are not limited to:

On-Site Felony Registration Case Management Food/Meal Vouchers Legal Aid Health Care Housing Vocation & Academic Counseling Civil Rights Restoration Guidance Medical/Disability Assistance

Community Corrections Contact Transition Planning Clothing Closet Job Placement/Employment Substance Abuse/Mental Health Aftercare Mentoring Debt Management Life Skills Training

Continuous communication, coordination and cooperation between local jails, state and federal prison classification/Re-Entry personnel must be fostered and maintained in order to serve this population. This working relationship will ensure that we close the gaps that create barriers to successful offender Re-Entry.

Benefits of the Portal

Provides a Criminal Registration Site. Allows for immediate connection to Community Corrections. Allows for the law enforcement and the community to easily identify those inmates returning from prison and those offenders residing in the community under court-ordered supervision. Creates a pre- and post-release continuum for DC and the community.

Serves as a "Single Point of Entry" for released inmates and offenders to access community-based Re-Entry resources. Allows for DC staff to transport offenders to one central location. Allows family members to meet newly released inmates at the site and sign up for additional services.