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Implementation of a Jail reentry services program must take place simultaneously <br />with the development, expansion, and implementation of in -custody cognitive <br />behavioral counseling, drug treatment, and employment preparation assistance <br />services. <br />Offender Targeting and Triage Policies: A new reentry services program should <br />develop a triage system to guide decisions about the allocation of scarce reentry <br />resources. Targeting outreach efforts toward those with the greatest levels of risk <br />and the most pressing needs would allow the program to achieve the maximum <br />impact given capacity limitations. Offender triage should be based on the level of <br />need as measured by risk scores and the potential, or opportunity, to provide <br />services that begin to address those needs before individuals are released from the <br />jail. Reentry staff will also need to prioritize offenders who are motivated to engage <br />with services. <br />Incorporate Risk and Needs Assessments into Reentry Services: It is important to <br />identify individual reentry needs quickly but with sufficient accuracy and detail to <br />develop reentry service plans. Program staff need tools to identify key needs that are <br />linked to reoffending as well as each offender's personal reentry priorities which are <br />not always the same. This can be done through the use of validated risk and needs <br />assessment tools and the use of standard intake procedures which can help ensure <br />that staff address common reentry issues and ask questions in ways that have <br />proven to be effective in eliciting information on these topics. <br />Individualized Reentry Services Plans for Maximum Impact: Reentry services must <br />avoid a one -size -fits -all approach. Service plans should address the needs identified <br />during assessments, consider the offender's personal priorities, and take into account <br />logistical barriers to service provision such as short jail stays. Services should target <br />factors that are linked to reoffending such as substance use, anti -social personality, <br />and hostility or anger. Services should be tailored to the specific circumstances of <br />individual offenders including such elements as motivation, environmental support, <br />positive relationships with correctional staff, and cognitive functioning. This service <br />will include the following components which are highlighted in the graphic diagram on <br />the following page. <br />75 <br />65A-82 <br />