Program Example

The Department of Correctional Services in Iowa’s Sixth Judicial District selects twenty-five high risk parolees to participate in the Welcome and Re- source Notification (WARN) program. Participants are generally career criminals or gang members with a history of noncompliance who have not succeeded in prior treatment programs.

Upon release, participants are supervised by an officer from the high risk parole unit. In addition, participants who violate the terms and conditions of their release must report to an Administrative Law Judge, who works in conjunction with the supervising officer to determine sanc- tions. Once an individual has committed a violation, he or she must meet with the Administrative Law Judge on a weekly basis. The Administrative Law Judge also serves as the judicial authority that imposes sanctions for participants in the Sixth Judicial District’s reentry programs for individuals who have mental health disorders or have been dually diagnosed with mental health and sub- stance abuse problems.

A number of community leaders also participate in the WARN program to represent the community and leverage resources for the transition process. These representatives include leaders from neighborhood associations, law enforcement officers, members of faith-based communities, and potential employers. Some WARN participants are linked to mentors from these groups.