5BB9721BE55A31E987258462005B85A5 Hearing Summary

Richard Morales, Deputy Executive Director, Latino Coalition for Community Leadership (LCCL), discussed how his organization was awarded an intermediary contract with the DOC to make sub-grants to faith and community-based organizations providing direct reentry services to parolees, such as employment and housing. 

Cory Everett, State Director, LCCL, provided an overview of the WAGEES  program,  She outlined the 19 community partners and the services provided (Attachment A).  She also discussed evidence based programming and distributed a report written by the Urban Institute regarding WAGEES (Attachment B). 

Hassan Latif, Executive Director, Second Chance Center, discussed his program, as well as addressed the challenges posed by the Denver City Council decision. 

Committee members asked questions about recidivism rates and how recidivism is defined.  Questions were also raised about program eligibility requirements and referrals. 

Emily Kleeman, Executive Director, The Reentry Initiative, discussed reentry services for women and distributed a handout (Attachment C). 

David Johnson returned to the table, along with Melinda Nedd-Colon, Project Liaison, DOC, to provide an overview of DOC reentry programs (Attachment D).

The panel was asked questions about audits, and recidivism rates for those offenders who are referred to a program versus those who "walk through the front door" seeking assistance.  Further discussion ensued about measuring recidivism rates.  Panel members discussed how their respective programs could benefit from a cultural shift that is more accepting of individuals involved in the criminal justice system,  increased innovation, more educational opportunities, fiscal support, licensed mental health workers, collaboration, and additional services and support surrounding mental health and substance abuse. 

The committee turned its discussion to the challenges of providing reentry services in rural areas. 

The committee inquired about capacity, funding, and funding sources.  The subject of community partnerships was raised, especially with mental health centers.  The panelists answered questions about expanding services to juveniles.