Reentry Conference

Description: Maintaining low populations within correctional facilities and reducing the tax burden associated with corrections without compromising public safety is a major concern for criminal justice agencies and organizations across the state of Texas. In this panel, representatives from some of the most populous metropolitan areas in the state will discuss what might be done to accomplish these goals.

Session #: 1 (2:45 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.)

Description: Returning veterans encounter challenges when adjusting to civilian life. An individual’s ability to cope impacts his or her adjustment which can result in mal adaptive behaviors. This panel will focus on innovative approaches to meeting the needs of justice involved veterans and discuss veteran specialty courts.

Session #: 2 (1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.)

Description: This panel will focus on how the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, beginning at intake, strives to reduce recidivism by preparing offenders for successful reentry into the community, and continues to support successful reentry through effective supervision and post-release support. The Department prepares offenders for release through academic and vocational education, on the job training, treatment programs, continuity of care and reentry planning, and provides paroling offenders with structured supervision and other reentry support services.

Session #: 3 (10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.)

Description: In this panel, leaders in the field of reentry from across the state of Texas will discuss how city, county, state, and federal criminal justice agencies can better coordinate services to improve reentry and reintegration success rates. The panel will also provide updates regarding successful programs from several counties across Texas.

Session #: 1 (1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.)

Description: The Juvenile Justice panel will provide an in-depth discussion on various strategies and programs that have worked with a targeted juvenile population, as well as a discussion of some reentry challenges that are unique to juvenile offenders. This panel will explore the areas of pre-trial and diversionary programs and services, behavioral/mental health, education, employment, community involvement, and family reunification.

Session #: 1 (10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.)

Description: Employment has long been an issue to individuals transitioning from corrections to the community. In recent years, this has become a bigger issue for employers across the nation as well. This panel will discuss hiring policies, employers’ rights, and issues of privacy specific to both sides of the hiring process.

Session #: 2 (10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.)

Description: This session will cover a wide variety of datasets specific to the phenomenon of recidivism. Topics will include various definitions for recidivism, proven and suspected factors for increases in recidivism, best practices for reducing recidivism rates, and many more.

Session #: 2 (2:45 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.)

Description: Inability to access stable and affordable housing causes those with a criminal record to be more susceptible to commit additional crimes, violate conditions of probation or parole supervision, or fail to successfully complete treatment for substance abuse or mental health. This panel will discuss the impact of recent landlord liability legislation, ways to further remove housing barriers, resources for female offenders with children, and select housing programs such as the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI).

Session #: 3 (2:45 P.M. – 4:15 P.M.)

Description: This panel will discuss the importance and role of community supervision in diverting people from jail or prison. Successes and challenges faced by community supervision will be explored, including revocation reduction, implementation of evidence based practices, and funding. Experts will discuss priorities during the legislation session and beyond.

Session #: 3 (1:00 P.M. – 2:45 P.M.)