Proven Probation Reentry Program to Be Expanded

Oroville Mercury-Register

By Oroville Mercury-Register Staff

A program with a proven record of reducing recidivism among probationers and parolees got a boost this week when the Board of Supervisors approved a state-funded expansion of the Male Community Re-entry Program.

The program has selected male adult probationers complete a tailored plan that includes alcohol and drug treatment, anger management, forward thinking, parenting and job training classes.

The program also connects participants to education, employment and health care opportunities, as well as support in obtaining important documents such as identification cards and birth certificates.

According to a press release, 68 probationers have graduated from the program and only two have committed a new felony and been sent back to state prison. That’s just under 3 percent. The average recidivism rate at one year post-release in California is 36.4 percent, according to a 2015 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation report.

All of the graduates have obtained housing and fiscal stability, according to the release, and 17 have been released from state parole.

The Butte County Probation Department started the program last June, in partnership with the CDCR. To date:

• 101 probationers have participated in the program.

• Officers have helped participants obtain 61 California ID cards, 42 Social Security cards and 62 birth certificates.

• 44 participants have gained employment while in the program.

Continue reading.