The Jefferson County Community Partnership for Recovery & Reentry Network

The CPR Network partner with over 60 organizations in Jefferson County.

This network seeks to:

  • Identify local county organizations such as churches, state agencies, schools and community groups. These groups are invited to join the State of Alabama web base CPR Network where their services can be more fully explained and shared with the rest to the network.
  • Identify the specific issues facing Jefferson County and communities. This information is used to tailor solutions and support services for specific areas.
  • Communicate the activities of the CPR Network to every community and support organization across the state. We have a successful history of matching offenders with mentors returning to Birmingham from our state and county facilities.

Reentry is a broad term used to refer to issues related to the transition of offenders from prison to community supervision. From our view point, it involves the use of programs targeted at promoting the effective reintegration of offenders back to communities upon release from Institutions, community base detention, rehabilitation and recovery programs, prison and jail.

“Reentry begins at the point of entry”. A huge emphasis is being placed on “discharge planning”, “aftercare programs”, and “pre release”. All of which are synonymous with preparing an incarcerated offender for reentry back into the community. The Department of Corrections is making great strides in this area to develop a program that assists with this process. The proposed reentry model currently under development aims to:

  • Increase public safety
  • Decrease prison overcrowding and recidivism rates
  • Reunite parents and children
  • Offer community referral linkages to inmates and ex-offenders
  • Decrease public health and social disparities within the offender population

Reentry programming, which often involves a comprehensive case management approach, is intended to assist offenders in acquiring the life skills needed to succeed in the community and become law-abiding citizens. A variety of programs are used to assist offenders in the reentry process, including prerelease programs, drug rehabilitation and vocational training, and work programs.

The Pre Release and Reentry Program offers’ information to inmates about life enrichment classes, community resources and reentry services that is available throughout the State. This program provides an opportunity for inmates to gain basic living skills on how to successfully transition back into the community after release from corrections. Information is also provided on the following “HOW TO’S”:

  • Access immediate food, clothing and shelter
  • Obtain a driver’s license or personal identification card
  • Access faith based mentoring and support
  • Obtain medical and/or dental care
  • Access substance abuse treatment and mental health services
  • Look for job placement, vocational training and career development
  • Re-establish parental rights and child custody