Gaudenzia DRC Forensic Re-Entry and Recovery Services (FIRRS) - Purpose: The Gaudenzia FIRRS will ensure that incarcerated offenders with substance use disorders (SUDs) or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (CODs) returning to Philadelphia have the opportunity for recovery, self-sufficiency, and stability. Over 5 years, the project will provide expanded treatment and recovery support services for 500 offenders (see table next page) and engage 250 family members/significant others (SOs).
Population of Focus (POF): The project will serve adult offenders diagnosed with a SUD or COD; who have served at least 3 months in a correctional institution (including state or county jail, prison, or detention center) or have violated parole and serving at least one month in a correctional institution; be within four months of scheduled release to the community (to qualify to receive in-prison services in the correctional institution; and upon release, be scheduled for immediate transfer from the correctional facility to this community based treatment project.
Priority will be given to minority adults with a SUD and those with CODs, recurrent trauma experiences, multiple incarcerations, and those with or high risk for HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis.
Services: The Project staff will meet regularly with the state and local corrections and parole partners to provide pre-release collaboration, coordination, assessments, and re-entry planning. Services provided by staff include but are not limited to post release assessments, outpatient and residential treatment, case management, referral/coordination, mentoring/coaching, wrap around recovery support, CBT seminars, housing, employment, re-entry plan updates, relapse prevention beds, and family services.
Consumer/Collaborator Participation: A diverse Steering Committee comprised of staff, consumers, and at least 12 partners/collaborators will have a vital role in developing, implementing, and evaluating the project and developing appropriate training modules.
Goal: The overarching goal is to reduce the health and social costs of substance use and dependence to the public, and increase the safety of Philadelphia citizens by reducing substance use related crime and violence. Specific outcomes with clear measurable objectives include:
1. Provide detailed comprehensive services for 500 POF offenders;
2. Provide educational, reunification and referral services for 250 family members/SOs;
3. At least 80% will complete prescribed treatment/services and reduce risky behaviors;
4. 65% of offenders will experience improved criminal justice, substance use, mental health, housing, educational, medical/health, employment, and social connectedness outcomes; and
5. At least 20 peers will be identified, trained, and participate.
Project Impact: Offenders will live a crime-free and substance-free life; they will experience greatly improved criminal, social, health, and family functioning. The project will maximize the ability of the enhanced infrastructure to respond to the needs of the POF; and professionals and the general public will have a more positive outlook on prisoner re-entry and recovery.
