As members of the community, we have an obligation to address the causes that lead to crimes/harms being committed and to prevent future offenses from occurring. Returning Citizen Services (RCS) seeks to do this by addressing the lack of accessibility and information for services available to citizens returning after incarceration.

The RCS mapping application dynamically addresses the need for information and assistance in the reintegration process. It also helps victims and the community by reducing the likelihood that these crimes will be committed again. While reentry programs alone are not restorative justice, they can play a key role in contributing to the process and solution of providing restorative justice.

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Service Types:

Health and Wellness

  • Family and Child Welfare – Assistance in providing well-being to families and children, such as resources for family restoration, child support, nutritional assistance, and/or domestic violence aid
  • Food/Clothing Assistance – Food and clothing assistance through various services such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and clothing closets.
  • Physical Healthcare – Healthcare centers which may be especially helpful to returning citizens, such as free clinics or centers specializing in HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C treatment
  • Addiction Recovery – Support through programming and occasionally temporary housing for individuals overcoming addiction or substance abuse

Counseling and Assistance

  • Legal Counseling – Legal assistance and advice for civil matters
  • Mentoring/Life Coaching – Mentorship to support returning citizens in the reentry process
  • Mental Health/ Counseling (Combined) – Counseling or mental health support for individuals, families, and/or victims as they readjust into society, restore relationships, and deal with past trauma
  • General Case Management – General assistance in the reintegration process, including referrals to additional services

Faith and Reconciliation

  • Victim-Offender Reconciliation – A place for offenders and victims to dialogue and gain closure through the restorative justice process
  • Hospitality in Worship – A place of worship that is notably welcoming toward returning citizens

Housing and Transportation

  • Permanent Housing – Long-term housing or housing resources that help returning citizens find permanent residences
  • Transitional Housing – Housing that provides a transitional environment for returning citizens upon reentry. Can include housing for those facing homelessness and those struggling with substance abuse. Length of stay depends on the individual’s circumstances or program requirements.
  • Transportation Assistance/Resources – Assistance in finding transportation (for example, bus passes and assistance in finding or repairing cars).

Employment and Finances

  • Employment Training and/or Referrals – Skills training, job search services, and other resources to foster reentry into the job market
  • Employment (reentry-friendly employer) – An employer who is open to hiring returning citizens
  • Financial Empowerment – Assistance in improving financial security and stability. Services include budgeting, improving credit, paying off debt, tax assistance, and accessing affordable bank accounts.

Education Programs

  • GED/Higher Education Programs – GED or post-secondary education with an emphasis on reentry
  • Literacy/ESL – Assistance in improving reading and writing, or for learning English as a 2nd language