FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT:  DORINDA CARTER
April 14, 2008	615-741-1000, EXT. 8144 (OFFICE)
	877-909-5128 (PAGER)

TDOC LAUNCHES STAYING HOME

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In an effort to improve the public safety of all Tennesseans, the Department of Correction has launched the first of its kind program to provide the skills offenders need to live successful, productive lives.  "There are many reasons ex-offenders end up returning to prison," said TDOC Assistant Commissioner Jim Cosby.  "The problems they face upon release range from lack of access to housing and employment, angry and unwelcoming families and communities and the offender's own pro-criminal attitude."  With a $450,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and an additional $130,434 from the U.S. Department of Labor to promote partnerships with faith-based community organizations, the TDOC has created a new reentry program called "Staying Home."

The program is designed for men convicted of burglary and drug offenses who plan to return to Memphis/Shelby County area upon release.  In cooperation with the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, the Shelby County Division of Corrections and the Memphis Leadership Foundation, the TDOC will take 280 offenders from the Northwest Correctional Complex and the Shelby County Division of Corrections through a 36-month program in which they will be required to complete a number of programs including educational, parenting, anger management and victim impact courses.

Post-release supervision and services begin within 24-hours of the inmate's release from prison.  During the first year, participates will receive supportive supervision, housing and employment, relapse prevention classes and substance abuse treatment.

In the end, the program's goal is to reduce the one-year recidivism rate for property offenders to 16.6%, to make all Tennessee communities safer and save taxpayer's money.

 

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