The Report > Review of the Re-Entry Process > Admission to the Facility

A: Admission to the Facility

Policy Statement 9: Development of Programming Plan

Develop, for each person incarcerated, an individualized plan that, based upon information obtained from assessments, explains what programming should be provided during the period of incarceration to ensure that his or her return to the community is safe and successful.

This policy statement addresses the individualized programming plan: the strategy for addressing needs and strengths assessed during intake (Policy Statement 8, Development of Intake Procedure) with programs available in prison or jail (Phase B, Prison- and Jail-Based Programming). More specifically, the programming plan establishes how a person who is in prison or jail will make the best use of his or her incarceration to improve the likelihood of success upon re-entry. An interdisciplinary programming team, working in conjunction with community providers, should construct an individualized programming plan focused on a person's criminogenic needs in areas ranging from mental health and substance abuse to workforce training and family counseling, all of which are explored in greater depth in the next chapter. (See, for example, Policy Statement 10, Physical Health; Policy Statement 11, Mental Health; Policy Statement 12, Substance Abuse; Policy Statement 13, Children and Families; and Policy Statement 15, Education and Vocational Training.) By determining, coordinating, and monitoring service delivery, programming planners ensure that prisoners are taking steps to prepare for re-entry throughout their incarceration. [1]  

Recommendations:

1.
Most correctional facilities do not offer intensive, individualized program planning geared toward preparation for release.
A.
Charge new or existing positions with the responsibility of reviewing information obtained through assessments and of developing a plan that provides for the coordinated delivery of targeted services for each person admitted.
B.
Consider the primary needs, strengths and background of the individual in developing the programming plan.
2.
Program availability, as opposed to inmate risks and needs, often guides program placement-while research indicates that "appropriate" treatment is key.
3.
Program planners can play a key role in coordinating and monitoring service delivery.
C.
Ensure that all program planning incorporates the principles of cultural and gender competency.
D.
Provide opportunities for crime victims, victim advocates, family members, and community members to inform the inmate's programming plan.
E.
Engage community-based providers in the development of a programming plan.
F.
Include in the programming plan provisions for periodic reassessments to be conducted during the inmate's incarceration and for changes to be made in the plan accordingly.
G.
Establish and maintain a centralized record-keeping system as well as a system for regular communication among program planners and other prison-based staff and service providers.
H.
Creatively adapt the program planning model for shorter-term jail stays.

  1. To the degree that individualized program planning has occurred in various correctional facilities, it has generally been called some version of "case management" and been performed by people referred to as "case managers". Given the varying definitions of case managers and case management, however, along with the particularized functions described in this policy statement, this Report refers to the blueprint for programs and services as an "individualized programming plan" and those who develop and administer such plans as "programming planners". Clearly, however, the nomenclature and exact role of the person or team charged with developing and coordinating a person's activity during his or her period of incarceration will vary from institution to institution, as evidenced by the examples included in this policy statement.

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