Reentry Resources

Our combination of education and job training results in successful reentry of previously program participants back into their communities and the workforce. It is our mission to assist our participant employees in gaining marketable job skills and invaluable work experience inside our production plants. Just prior to release, we provide both current and former program participants with resources specific to the county where they plan to live.

CLICK BELOW - Reentry Case Studies

The transition from prison to the community can be challenging – not only for program participants, but also for their families and the community. In addition to our reentry management plans, Maryland Correctional Enterprises (MCE) developed the C.A.R.E.S. program to assist participants in the process of fully integrating into society following their release.

C.A.R.E.S. Program

MCE’s Continuing Allocation of Reentry Services (C.A.R.E.S.) is a reentry program for program participants nearing their release. C.A.R.E.S. has been providing reentry services for individuals preparing to reenter society since 2008. Given the complexity of the challenges faced by returning individuals, a reentry program focused on a single area may not adequately address the issues faced by this population. C.A.R.E.S. believes in a holistic approach for its graduates. The mission of this program is to reduce recidivism or the return to criminal behavior. The C.A.R.E.S. program classes are currently held at Maryland Correctional Institution at Hagerstown with local staff partners.

C.A.R.E.S. Program Curriculum:

• Cognitive Behavior and Relationship Building, an integrated cognitive behavior change program for participants, helping to create change in both their thinking and behavior for a reduction in re-offending.
• Employment Readiness Workshop (ERW), the CARES ERW class provides students with assessments, interviewing skills, a typed self-created resume, labor market information, job searching strategies, general information and skill building in the ‘soft skills’ required in the workplace today.
•  Financial Literacy and Credit Counseling, a partnership with Michelle Singletary, nationally syndicated financial advisor. Prosperity Partners Ministry programs and C.A.R.E.S. prepares participants for possible financial challenges that they can experience prior and post-release.
•  Transitional Planning, participants get one-on-one meetings with an MCE reentry staff member to evaluate their specific situation and needs.
•  Career Readiness: A second phase of the program where participants experience career readiness training on how to utilize soft skills towards gaining and maintaining meaningful employment release.
• InsideOut Dad: Is a program designed to connect participant fathers to their families and prepare them for release. Facilitators meet weekly with a small group of participants and guide them through 12 core education and 4 optional reentry sessions that address fathering knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

Resources for Returning Citizens and Employers

Federal Bonding Program

http://bonds4jobs.com/

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Form

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8850  

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program

https://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/

Maryland Workforce Exchange

https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx