CSOSA's Re-Entry Sunday
and Re-Entry Program
On the first Re-Entry Sunday
(January 13, 2002), the Court
Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and its partners
in the District of Columbia’s faith community joined together
to launch a ministry of support and assistance to offenders returning
to the local community from prison.
The first
Re-Entry Sunday coincided with National Mentoring Month. To emphasize
the value of mentoring to returning offenders, mentor recruitment
is the first cooperative initiative of CSOSA and its partners in the
faith community. Re-entry efforts in the District of Columbia are
ongoing.
Learn
about the DC Department of Employment Services's Project
Empowement Plus program
to aid ex-offenders.
Why
Is Re-Entry Important?
It has been reported that about 2,500 offenders will return to District
of Columbia neighborhoods from prison next year. Most will have
substance abuse histories. Most lack basic job and literacy skills.
In many cases, they have lost touch with family and friends during
incarceration, so their natural support systems are weakened. Research
has consistently shown that positive relationships are critical
if offenders are to avoid recidivism. Without those relationships
and support services, offenders are more likely to relapse into
patterns of drug use and criminal behavior. Re-Entry is about helping
these individuals become productive, law-abiding members of our
community.
 
How Does Mentoring Help With Re-Entry Efforts?
Returning offenders need the support of positive relationships.
Because religious institutions are the cornerstone of the community,
these institutions are a crucial source of such relationships. If
an offender feels welcomed by the faith community and receives support
and guidance from that community, he or she can begin to establish
a positive connection to, and find value in, friends who reject
drug abuse and criminal behavior.
What About Other Services?
The CSOSA/Faith Community Partnership is collaborating on a range
of services for returning offenders, such as counseling, job training,
and transitional housing. Following the kickoff on January 13, 2001,
the partnership will begin to establish a network of faith-based
services throughout the city. Our vision is to link all returning
offenders with a welcoming faith community that will provide help
and support.
The CSOSA/Faith
Community Partnership’s efforts are part of a citywide Re-Entry
Strategy. The District of Columbia’s public, private, non-profit,
and faith organizations are joining together to provide a comprehensive
network of re-entry services.
How Can I Help?
On Re-Entry Sunday, CSOSA urges our partners in the faith community
to devote time during a religious service to a discussion of offender
re-entry. Offenders and their families may share their stories.
Criminal justice professionals may share information about returning
offenders and their needs. Re-Entry Sunday will result in many volunteers
coming forth to extend a hand to returning offenders by serving
as mentors.
Mentor Orientation Meetings
Following Re-Entry
Sunday, CSOSA will hold orientation meetings for prospective mentors.
At this orientation, CSOSA staff will present details about the
mentoring program and will announce a schedule of training sessions
for those who wish to serve.
For more information, visit the CSOSA
website or contact Gail
Francois in CSOSA's Office of Community Justice Programs at
(202) 220-5320.
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