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Windows to Work
Windows to Work is designed to address the criminogenic risk factors that can lead to recidivism including unemployment/underemployment, low/interrupted education, poor problem solving skills, inadequate housing, and financial difficulties. Windows to Work begins six months prior to release with both group and individual sessions and continues for approximately one year post-release. While providing services to participants, case managers develop and maintain contact in the community forming a network of employers, residential property owners, educational institutions, commmunity support agencies, and treatment providers to assist Windows to Work participants.
Quick Facts:
- Focus of initiative/program:
- Employment/Job Training
- Inititative/program name:
- Windows to Work
- Year Established:
- 2010
- Lead agency/organization name:
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections
- Population served by initiative/program:
- Returning from prison
- Under community corrections supervision (parole or probation)
- Adults
- Men
Windows to Work
Contact:
Tracy HudrlikSecond Chance Act Coordinator
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Phone: (608)240-5035
3099 E. Washington Ave.
Madison, Wisconsin 53707
tracy.hudrlik@wi.gov
Windows to Work
Initiatives and Programs
- Focus of initiative/program:
- Employment/Job Training
- Inititative/program name:
- Windows to Work
- Lead agency/organization name:
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections
- Funding sources for initiative/program:
- Second Chance Act Grant and Annie E. Casey Foundation
- X
- X
- X
- X
Funding
Partners in the reentry initiative/program
| Informal Agreement | Formal Agreement (e.g., a written contract or an MOU) with this partner. |
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| Community- and faith-based services providers: |
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| Health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment providers: |
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| Institutional corrections (e.g., DOC, jail, prison): |
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| Work force development and employment agencies (e.g. business associations, unions): |
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Participants
- Population served by initiative/program:
- Returning from prison
- Under community corrections supervision (parole or probation)
- Adults
- Men
- Total number of people who have participated in initiative/program to date:
- Approximately 33
- Total number of people currently participating in initiative/program:
- Approximately 33
- Total number of people who can be served at one time:
- 240
- If your initiative/program serves people under community corrections supervision, how does your organization work in partnership or work in collaboration with participants’ probation or parole officers?
- The Windows to Work Case Managers have offices located directly in the Probation and Parole Office. Windows to Work participants are supervised by two designated units in community corrections so that the agents and case managers are in the same building and become familiar with each other and knowledgeable of each other's job duties. As soon as a participant is enrolled in the Windows to Work program, community corrections is notified and an agent designated to supervise participants is assigned. The case managers and agents then work closely together to form a release plan with the participant.
Data Collection
- Does your organization collect demographic data on participants?
- Yes
- If "yes", what kind of data? And what results has this data yielded?
- We collect all data elements required under Second Chance Act federal reporting requirements.
- Does your organization collect data about the process of your initiative/program?
- Yes
- If "yes", what kind of data? And what results has this data yielded?
- Case managers keep case notes and attendance regarding all contact with participants as well as contact with community stakeholders.
- Does your organization measure and/or track the outcome of participation?
- Yes
- If "yes", what kind of data? And what results has this data yielded?
- We will track convictions for new offenses, revocation of community supervision, job placement including type of job and wage.
Activities
- What, if any, activities does your initiative/program include for people while they are incarcerated and how do these activities differ from those offered to the general population?
- Both group and individual sessions begin six months prior to release. Group sessions focus on employability, career path planning, personal development, values clarification, financial literacy, Rent Smart, child support, community resources, and other related issues. In coordination with the institution social worker and community corrections agent, intensive case management is provided.
- What activities does your organization engage in post-release and how do these activities differ from those offered to the general population?
- The same case manager that provided the group and individual session pre-release will provide intensive case management services in coordination with the community corrections agent. The case manager assists paricipants with job search and job retention activities. Participants receive assistance in accessing available community resources to address needs for food, clothing, housing and treatment. When participants obtain employment, they become eligible for assistance with transportation, uniforms, tools and other items needed for the performance of job duties. Paricipants who retain employment may apply for financial assistance to help pay for vocational training to further their careers.
- How are people placed into your program?
- If criteria is met, they are contacted and educated about the program and offered the opportunity to enroll. The program is voluntary.