SOP 503.02-att-5: Reentry Checklist Narrative for State Prisons and Transitional Centers

SOP 503.02
Attachment 5

1/30/20
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# Reentry Checklist Narrative State Prisons and Transitional Centers

 Offender reentry preparation/planning begins when the offender is received by the Georgia

Department of Corrections.
 Reentry planning is intended to be an on-going and dynamic activity that progressively

continues through the offender’s release from custody.
 This attachment is intended to:

`o` Provide information and guidance to GDC staff responsible to assist offenders with

release planning.

`o` Supplement staff and offender completion of the _SCRIBE_ _Offender Reentry_

_Checklist._ It does not relieve staff from the responsibility of completing the O _ffender_
_Reentry Checklist, in SCRIBE—_ comprehensively, accurately and in a timely
manner.

Upon arrival at first permanent facility

- Parole Eligibility Date (PED) of the Offender:

`o` This date will automatically be posted in SCRIBE by the parole board. Parole will assess

the programming and Next Generation Assessment (NGA) of the offender and may grant
parole, or set a TPM. It is important to look at programming as if the PED could happen.

`o` Check if the offender has registered for Selective Service:

- Complete Registration or Status of Registration Letter

- Must be completed during initial contact

- To be eligible for grant and education loan funding, one must be registered
within five months of their 18th birthday

Review Reentry Program Case Plan STATUS:

- First Question: Are you a Veteran?

`o` If the offender is a veteran they have a different avenue of resources available, so check

this first.

- If DD214 is needed go to [WWW.va.gov/vso](http://www.va.gov/vso) (Forms>Popular forms>DD214

`o` Make sure the offender has a copy of their DD 214 and if not contact your local

Department of Labor Veteran’s representative to assist with this.

`o` There is also a handbook for Veterans on CAPTIVA located under the _Reentry_ link.

- Academic Education (GED, ABE, and Special Education)

`o` Ask offender if he/she has a copy of their High School Diploma of their GED?

- If so allow them to receive it from home/school.

`o` Determine if the NGA reveals an education need.

`o` If so, put in a referral immediately to give the offender the time to complete the goal of

receiving a GED.

- System for Assessment and Group Evaluation Vocational Education (SAGE): If referring an
offender to Vocational Education, they must be:

`o` Assessed for placement with the SAGE.

`o` Contact the assessment/education staff assigned to your facility.

- Pre-Conditions of Parole / Probation: Look for any _Pre-Conditions_ set by the Parole Board or
sentencing Judge (probation). Make sure the offender has completed, or is scheduled to complete,
all pre-conditions possible while incarcerated.

- Substance Abuse (NGA):

`o` The NGA assesses offender substance abuse need(s) and identifies/mandates substance

abuse programming—ensure achievement/compliance with identified programming.

- Cognitive Behavioral Programs (NGA):

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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`o` The NGA assesses offender cognitive need(s), and identifies/mandates cognitive

programming—ensure achievement/compliance with identified programming.

`o` It takes 4 –6 months to complete these programs, so do not forget to check the PED and

TPM dates. Make sure offender is on the referral list at your site for the Cog programs
available.

- Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program (If Applicable):

`o` SOPP is a six-month program offered at select prisons. Determine if the referral for this

has been made and if not, make immediately.

- Priority for this class is given to offenders with TPMs over Max Outs.

- Reentry Skills Building Curriculum (Reentry Handbook):

`o` Give the offender the Reentry Handbook at this time if they do not already have one

(utilize the offender’s electronic G.O.A.L device whenever possible).

`o` Introduce the handbook to the offender and to do one-on-one work with areas that are

identified as reentry barriers.

- This includes, but is not limited to, offenders in specialty programs to include:
Faith and Character Based Dorms, Veterans Dorms, In-House Transitional
Centers, and RSAT programs.

`o` This curriculum is 12 sessions to be completed the last 12 months of the sentence.

- Complete _Interest Profiler_ (Vocational Aptitude):

`o` Career Center: Make sure the offender has completed an _Interest Profiler_ (provided by

the Department of Labor), which will be used to help develop the offender’s career plan
and resume’ (use the G.O.A.L. device as a resource for planning and documentation).

- Develop Career Plan (DOL Career Center):

`o` From this point on (through release) the offender can be participating in the Center

program developing a career plan or a plan for employment, once released

- Develop Resume:

`o` Use the Interest Profiler and Career Plan to develop a working resume.

`o` The offender should work on this until released. They should have a copy of this on their

person (G.O.A.L. Device preferred) while at your site.

Identify Reentry Release Needs:

- Child Support Responsibility (Office of Child Support Services, if Applicable):

`o` If the offender is a non-custodial parent and owes child support, encourage them to

participate in the _Fatherhood Initiatives_ through the Department of Human
Services/Office of Child Support Services. Contact the local Fatherhood Representative
and the numbers are in the Re-entry Handbook.

- Housing / Residence Plan (establish primary residence plan):

`o` The offender should have begun to realistically work on a release plan.

`o` Question the offender on where they will live upon release to include the possibility of

THOR based referrals.

- Contact persons in the community who can verify the offender’s residence
planning.

Assess Identification Needs and Apply for:

- Social Security Card (Social Security Administration):

`o` The Social Security Card should be/have been applied for 120 days prior to release OR

upon being transferred to work release/transitional center OR participating in a school or
pre-release social services program, for all offenders not incarcerated under an alias.
Review the file and if the card is missing, order one immediately.

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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- Birth Certificate (Vital Records):

`o` The Birth Certificate should have been applied for at orientation on all Georgia born

offenders. You may apply for a birth certificate even if the offender is under an alias, but
[only apply in the offender’s real name. GDCvitalrecords@gdc.ga.gov](mailto:GDCvitalrecords@gdc.ga.gov)

`o` If born out of state, encourage the offender to order a birth certificate from their birth

state and furnish the contact (other state vital records agency) information to the inmate.
If this was not completed in orientation, do so now.

- Place completed Out-of-State application in offender’s TOPPSTEP envelope.

- Motor Vehicle Record Issues—Georgia Department of Driver’s Services(DDS):

`o` If the offender has an issue with their Driver’s License, or State Identification issued by

DDS, contact the DDS Headquarters, Conyers, Georgia, or a local DDS Customer
Service Center. Headquarters:

- Driver's License/ID General Information, Hours, Locations, and Services (678)
413-8400

- Revoked/Suspended Licenses, License Reinstatement (678) 413-8500

- Lost/Stolen License, Automated Renewal Application, Internet Services (678)
413-8600

- DUI school information and certified clinical evaluator information is available
on the DDS website: [www.dds.ga.gov](http://www.dds.ga.gov/)

- Other vital records:

`o` Military DD-214,

`o` Child Support,

`o` Court Orders,

`o` Citizenship,

`o` Marriage License, etc.

TPM or MRD within 24 months

- Review Reentry Program Plan: Make sure to continuously check the offender program plan for
completion and progression in the programming that is identified by the NGA. Document efforts
and findings in the offender’s SCRIBE notes.

- Schedule Reentry Skills Building Handbook Training:

`o` At this time, you should make sure the offender is scheduled (within the last year of the

sentence) for the 12 lesson, Reentry Skill-Building Program.

`o` The curriculum for the program is the Reentry handbook.

- Review Parole Plan

`o` PIC Eligibility:

- If the offender is eligible for PIC, Parole will send paperwork to be completed. If
the Warden approves the date, Parole can release the offender without the
standard Full Board review.

- When you get the paperwork, return it immediately and make sure Warden has
made his/her decision.

`o` Pre-Conditions:

- Discuss with the offender any conditions outlined on the parole plan.

- Ensure the primary residence plan has been established:

`o` The Counselor or Case manager will discuss the primary residence plan established at

twenty-four-month advent, and confirm.

`o` Schedule the Reentry Skill Building Training:

- All offenders MUST take the Reentry Skill Building class.

- Ensure this is scheduled within _SCRIBE Programs_ module

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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Identify and Begin Benefits Eligibility Applications, six (6) months prior to release

- SSI/SSDI Social Security Administration:

`o` The online application process should begin six (6) months prior to Max or TPM date of

release.

`o` Paperwork will be approved by Social Security and held until the offender releases.

`o` If the offender does not receive their TPM date, notify Social Security to inform of status.

This is available on-line at the Social Security web site: [http://www.socialsecurity.gov](http://www.socialsecurity.gov/)

- Medicaid / Medicare Social Security (Social Security Administration):

`o` If the offender was under either or both of these programs prior to incarceration, contact

Social Security to check status for when the offender is released.

- Begin Interstate Compact Agreement (SOP IIIB07-0001 if Applicable):

`o` If the offender wants to transfer out of state an Interstate Compact Agreement must be

completed.

`o` If post-release, they will be on Parole, this is done when Parole sends the paperwork to

complete for his/her Interstate Compact residence plan. Do not submit Parole Interstate
Compact Prior to this time. A $100 mandatory Interstate Compact Fee must be paid.

`o` If the offender will need Probation (DCS) Interstate Compact, then you must complete

the offender’s Application for Interstate Compact Transfer and email it to
[interstatecompsct@dcs.ga.gov. A $100 mandatory Interstate Compact Fee must be paid.](mailto:interstatecompsct@dcs.ga.gov)

- Remember this includes those on split sentences who have probation to follow.

- Veterans Benefits:

`o` [www.va.gov/vso/](http://www.va.gov/vso/)

`o` Assure that all Veterans have been in touch with a local Veteran’s representative.

`o` There is also a Veteran’s Resource Book available in CAPTIVA.

- Sex Offender Transfer 12 months prior to release to one of the release facilities to assist in
registration, reentry needs, SOPP etc.

`o` Facility POC to notify the SPS Officer 45 days prior to release

TPM or MRD within 3-6 months

- Review Reentry Program Plan:

`o` Make sure to continuously check the offender program plan for completion and

progression in the programming that is identified with the NGA.

`o` Make sure to document this in your SCRIBE notes.

- Veterans Benefits application complete:

`o` At this point, veteran applications should be completed. Contact your TOPPSTEP

representative from DOL or your Veteran’s Representative.

`o` Remember, we also have a Veterans Handbook available on CAPTIVA. Contact numbers

are available in the handbook.

- Contact Community Supervision Officer within 45 days with sex offender releases.

`o` Contact the reporting Community Supervision Officer by phone and email to advise of

release date.

- Confirm Housing:

`o` By this point, you should have confirmed where the offender will live or if they have no

housing options.

`o` Remember to use THOR (on Parole’s web site) to search for approved Parole housing.

`o` If the offender maxes out, we still want to assist in housing but it does not have to be off

the THOR list.

`o` If going to Parole supervision, the housing MUST be approved by a Parole Officer.

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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`o` If a registered sex offender, the housing must be approved by the SPS officer in the

supervising circuit.

`o` ALL PROBLEM RESIDENTS MUST BE DETERMINED, REVIEWED AND

CONFIRMED!

- Check to see if the offender is returning to a GA-PRI (Department of Community Supervision)
site.

`o` GA-PRI will establish pre-release connections and linkages with post-release referral

services, coordinate with agencies that serve GA-PRI participants, and advocate on the
local, state and federal level to eliminate barriers and fill gaps in services needed for GAPRI participants to successfully reenter their community.

`o` GA-PRI targets citizens returning to GA-PRI sites they have identified as their residence

of record and who are classified as medium to high risk of reoffending.

`o` Participants must have a score of 5 or higher on Risk of New Felony Arrest on the Next

Generation Assessment (NGA).

- Community Reentry Assistance:

`o` Whenever the releasing offender does not meet GA-PRI criteria and/or is not releasing to

a GA-PRI site check for Community Action Agency programs in the offender’s local
area. There is a list of such available in the Reentry Handbook. They receive federal
money to provide housing, employment and financial assistance such as emergency bill
pay and tokens for transportation.

`o` Community Mentors: Many Faith Based organizations offer mentoring programs. Check

with the GDC Chaplain if your offender is in need of such services.

`o` Job Leads/ Employment: Make sure to refer the offender to their local DOL TOPPSTEP

representative. A list is available in the Reentry Handbook. Make sure to inform the
offender that they should ask for the TOPPSTEP rep when they go to DOL. This person
specializes in working with offenders.

`o` Special Needs: If the offender has physical, mental or developmental issues (which

includes substance abuse), contact Vocational Rehabilitation. The numbers are in the
Reentry Handbook.

TOPPSTEP Packet review:

- Make sure the file contains the following documents.

`o` Career Plan and Resume (if applicable)

`o` Interest Profiler (if applicable)

`o` Social Security Card

`o` Birth Certificate

`o` DDS ID or DL

`o` Completion Certificates

`o` DOL Job Application(s)

`o` Reentry Checklist (SCRIBE)

`o` Pre-release Claimant’s form

- Assess Medical needs after release (SCRIBE Profiles):

`o` Check with medical to ensure the offender has had all needed medical appointments and

medication needed for release.

- Identify Career Center/TOPPSTEP Representative in Area (Department of Labor Office):

`o` Look in the Reentry Handbook and note in SCRIBE where the TOPPSTEP office is and

give the offender the address and phone number (G.O.A.L. device).

- Develop Transportation Plan (Reentry Handbook Chapter 6):

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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`o` Discuss with offender all transportation issues and expenses to include public

transportation options and for rural areas, plans to go to work and reporting for
supervision.

Within 1 month of Release:

- Review Reentry Program Plan:

`o` Make sure to continuously check the offender program plan for completion and

progression in the programming that is identified through the NGA. Make sure to
document this in your SCRIBE notes.

- Residency Plan “CONFIRMED” (Parole approved, if Parolee):

`o` By this point, there should be no question on where the offender will be living, including

Problem Residents. If this is still a problem, contact:

- [Parole: Problem_Residences@pap.state.ga.us](mailto:Problem_Residences@pap.state.ga.us)

- Probationer: THOR and Community Supervision Officer

- Max out: THOR, United Way, Goodwill, Faith Based Organizations

All problem residents housing must be determined, reviewed and confirmed:
When release paperwork is received:

- Develop Monthly Budget Plan:

`o` Review Chapter 7 with the offender to make sure that they have developed and

understand the concepts behind this section in the Reentry Handbook.

- Identify Community Resources:

`o` Highlight for the offender the Community Resources in their area (in the Reentry

Handbook, Chapter 15)

- Substance Abuse Aftercare (if applicable):

`o` This is only for offenders who complete RSAT. Refer to the appropriate aftercare

program.

- Job Leads (Reentry Employer List on CAPTIVA):

`o` Check the Reentry Employer List on CAPTIVA and see if the offender is interested in

any of the possibilities.

`o` This is for your use as a counselor. Do not copy the entire list for the offender.

Communication may/should be with Transitional Center Employment Manager in area of
release for job leads also.

- Clothing Banks (Faith-based & Community-Based Organizations/ Chaplain):

`o` If the offender is going to need clothing, make sure to make contact with clothing sources

in the area of release (i.e. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and United Way). Also, work with
the Chaplain in your facility if applicable.

- Miscellaneous (Mentors, Support Groups, etc. in area of release):

`o` Support Group lists are available on-line and you need to look up this information for the

offender and give them a copy to refer to when they go home, i.e.: AA/NA, ACOA, Codependency groups, etc.

- Finalize Psychotropic Drug needs and assure there is a referral made (Health Services):

`o` If the offender is also on a MH caseload, check with the counselor and medical

department to ensure this is being taken care of

- Schedule medical appointments as needed:

`o` Check with medical to assure this has been taken care of.

- Vital Records ready (Original to Offender, Copy sent to DCS in TOPPSTEP Package):

`o` Verify documents are in file,

`o` Remember copies are placed in our files and a letter is sent to the supervision site

detailing the documents the offender received.

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.

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- Social Security Administration, retirement, begin application (if applicable):

`o` For offenders eligible for SSI/SSDI, contact SS office to begin process.

Thirty days before release:

- The DW/CT, supervisor or designee is to make contact with the Chief Community Supervision
Officer (DCS) or designee (Assistant Chief, PO III or Office Manager), through email and phone,
to schedule an appointment for the releasing offender

`o` The releasing offender shall be informed of reporting instructions given by DCS or

Parole.

`o` Confirmation of these contacts (DCS, Parole and offender) shall be documented in

SCRIBE.

Reentry Notes:

Report to: _________________________________

Community Supervision Officer

On: ___________________ (Date)

Address: _________________________________

_________________________________, Georgia

Telephone No: _________________________________

Date of Contact: _________Contact Person___________

- DW/CT, supervisor or designee shall explain proof of residence form, developed by the
Department of Driver Services, on file in local Community Supervision Office in order to receive
a state ID or driver’s license immediately (if applicable and no infractions). This form is not
given to the offender at the prison setting.

- The DWS/CT, Supervisor, or designee, will document (on the SCRIBE Reentry Checklist) the
address and telephone number of the nearest DOL Career Center to the offender’s release
residence.

- DW/CT or designee confirms the offender has received the State issued debit card and receipt—
confirmation shall be recorded on the SCRIBE Reentry Checklist.

Information to be given to offender:

To report to Department of Community Supervision Office/Officer:

Name: ___________________________________

Date: ____________________________________

Address: __________________________________

______________________________, Georgia

Telephone No. _________________________________

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, this form shall be placed in the TOPPSTEP packet in the offender’s
institutional file and the file shall be retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.