House Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #1454 Community Re-Entry Program
Requester:	Mathes Guice		Organization:		Community Reconstruction Institute (CRI)
Project Title:	Community Re-Entry Program		Date Submitted:		01/29/2000 4:40:25 PM
District Member:	Chris Smith		Service Area:		Statewide
Counties Affected:	Broward
Recipient:	Community Reconstruction Institute		Contact:		Mathes Guice
	6299 W. Sunrise Boulevard		Contact Phone:		(954) 791-8893
	Sunrise 33313
Project Description:
The Community Re-Entry Program (CRP) serves offenders newly released from prison, on probation, and in community corrections programs. CRP provides and coordinates services so that clients can become socially and economically productive members of their families and their communities, thereby avoiding returning to prison. Program staff includes Case Managers, Job Developers, Education Specialists, a Legal Advisor, and Support Group Facilitators. Each client is assigned to a Case Manager, who conducts a comprehensive needs assessment, coordinates the provision of services, and monitors the client's progress. Services offered on-site include: job readiness training, career guidance, education/vocational placements, job referrals and placements, a legal clinic, a clothing bank, financial planning assistance, support groups, and transportation assistance (bus passes). Outside referrals are made for treatment of medical, dental, psychological, and substances abuse problems, as well as housing.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
CRP is based on a philosophy of shared responsibility, which expects ex-offenders to take an active role in their ultimate success. This approach results in more successful job placements, a higher percentage of job retention, a lower percentage of school drop-outs, and a lower rate of recidivism. Having increased numbers of ex-offenders working in the community rather than committing crimes benefits the State of Florida both financially and qualitatively. *The costs of arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating the offender are reduced. A study of CRP's 1997-1998 operation estimated that the program saved the state $8.5 million in costs of incarceration alone. *The costs to victims are reduced. The 1997-1998 study estimated that CRP saved $15.6 million in victim costs. *The wages earned and taxes paid by the ex-offender benefit the state and the community, and reduce the need for state support for the ex-offender's family. The 1997-1998 study estimates that CRP clients had an earning capacity of $1.9 million. *Studies suggest that children who have parents who are not incarcerated may be less likely to become involved in the criminal justice system themselves. *Increased public safety improves the quality of life for all citizens, and may impact positively on tourism.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
The following have been identified as the CRP target outcomes: *At least 60% of clients identified as needing employment shall obtain employment within 120 days *At least 70% of clients identified as needing educational and/or vocational programming shall demonstrate improvement in skill levels or completion of prescribed programming. *At least 75% of clients participating in Career Guidance Training shall successfully complete the training *At least 75% of clients participating in the Job Readiness Training shall successfully complete the training *Clients who require housing will receive assistance in establishing a housing plan, and a referral to a social service agency for assistance. *A follow-up status confirmation will be done for all clients 30, 60, and 90 days after placement in jobs, schools, or other services *No more than 12% of CRP clients will become recidivists.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$4,500,000
Total cost of the project:		$4,500,000

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?						Yes
				In-Kind Amount:		$214,500
Was this project previously funded by the State?						Yes
	Fiscal Year:	1998-1999		Amount:		$1,000,000
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?						Yes
	Amount:	$4,500,000
	Purpose for future year funding:				Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?					Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?						Unknown
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?						Unknown
Is there a documented need for this project?						Yes
	Documentation:	Attachment
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?						Yes
	Hearing Body:	Broward County Legislative Delegation
	Meeting Date:	12/21/1999