The San Bernardino County Public Defender's Reentry Support Team has grabbed the spotlight with a celebrated win of a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award, recognizing their efforts in slashing recidivism with a multifaceted aid program for those reentering society post-incarceration, as per an announcement made by the county.
Supported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), the initiative serves up a bevy of supports including housing, medical insurance, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Crafted by the San Bernardino County Public Defender’s (SBCPD) Office in March 2022, the Second Chance Unit sprang into action with a focus on representing parolees in their resentencing hearings. The dynamic Reentry Support Team, comprising a mitigation specialist, paralegals, and office assistants, also taps into lived experiences, involving individuals and families with histories of incarceration to invigorate its approach and foster more positive reintegration outcomes.
With a dedication to forging a network that will go the distance, the team is footloose at weekly community doings meetings with movers and shakers, converging with DAPO to unlock program accessibility for their clients. Meetings are had with parolees and their kin to dial into their specific predicaments and the Reentry Support Team keeps the lines of communication wide open with parole agents and community organizations to certify that the support scaffolding stands firm for their clients. This outreach isn't exclusive to those under supervision as those seeking record expungement are referred to local organizations offering those services, as described by Sone in his discussion with the county officials.
Since the team's conception, over 50 local resources have been vetted and looped into the support circuit, including diversion programs, job assistance, and much more, boasting more than ten clients who have since been tucked into treatment beds. The hands-on reentry support plans have been lauded as meaningful game-changers and follow-ups are consistently on the roster to ensure that their clients stay on the up-and-up, as described by the county.
For those interested in the San Bernardino County Public Defender's Office and the services they provide, further information is readily accessible at their official website.
