To learn more about the program, click here. Transition Program Background:The Monroe Corrections Center (MCC) has an average population of 250 inmates, 244 of whom reside in the housing areas of the Center (2003 data). Housing inmates up to 18 months, pre- or post- trial, MCC is a facility where transition is written into the stucture of the organization. For many of the inmates in the MCC, their present stay is not their first. As in the criminal justice system in general, recidivism is a problem here too. The MCC is a part of the greater Monroe County Community; as such the inmates face the same problems that plague the general population - both while they are incarcerated, and upon their release. Among those problems are:
In addition, the University, which is the largest employer in Bloomington, does not tend to hire people who have a criminal background. This eliminates an additional, major source of employment. Transition
Transition is, as stated, a central factor in jail life. By definition, the jail is not a permanent residential placement. Keeping in mind the goals of the criminal justice system, effective transition is an extension of effective jail service resulting in lower recidivism. To create a transition process demands creating a gradual continuum from life in jail to life in the community: from previous life outside the law to life inside the boundaries of the law, from external controls experienced in jail to internal controls, from external provision of needs to self sufficiency. The ProgramBy providing access to transition counselors, trained in the following subjects successful transition could be achieved through:
Program PartnersThe program will be hosted and led by the Monroe County MCC in its facility. Partners in the program will be WorkOne, South Central Workforce Development Service Disabilities Program Navigator, and Area 10 agency on the Aging Joblinks Program, Shalom Community Center, and New Leaf - New Life. Program OperationAccording to the amount of volunteers accessible, in addition to paid staff from WorkOne service will be provided one on one in the MCC. A Trained transition counselor will receive inmates upon demand. The counselor will formulate a transition program incorporating the supports needed from the list. After a plan of action is prepared, a copy of the proposed program is forwarded to the MCC commander or anyone appointed by him for approval. It is important that the transition process and intervention does not in any way collide with MCC policies or other security measures as regarding the inmates. The transition process will then continue on a regular basis through meetings between the counselor and the inmate through paperwork, assessments, job-hunting, etc. Upon release, the transition counselor will continue to meet the ex inmate proceeding with the transition process until the need subsides. The Transition counselor will cooperate with parole and probation agencies to ensure success in immersion in the community. Logistical Concerns
Proposed Timeline
Transition Program Intake FormsDownload in PDF Format Download in Word format Bloomington's Most Wanted! ...VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP!We are always accepting volunteers interested in training to serve as Transition Navigators for the Monroe County MCC/WorkOne Transition Program. This program aims to facilitate the transition of men and women from MCC to successful self-sufficiency in the community. By connecting inmates to supportive programs and addressing multiple issues such as substance abuse, housing, employment and health, the transition program aims to enable inmates to accomplish a self sufficient lifestyle within the boundaries of the law while simultaneously enjoying the basic human privileges of, "Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." Volunteer SpecificationsTo volunteer you must be able to:
The training will cover employment support, practical social-work issues, and criminal justice issues. The training will be conducted jointly by the Monroe County MCC and Monroe County WorkOne, Disability Program Navigator Grant. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a criminal background check. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like more information, please contact:
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