Reentry Policy Council

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Assessments Tool Main Page

How To Use this Tool

Click on a focus area (e.g., physical health) to view what information should be collected in a particular focus area over time.

Click on a timeframe (e.g., prerelease) to view what information should be collected in a particular timeframe across various focus areas.

Within a focus area or timeframe, click on “More Detail” to view a full description, which includes relevant assessment instruments and program examples from the field.

Additional Features

Glossary of Terms

Find the definitions of terms used in this tool with which you may not be familiar.

Focus Area	Timeframe

Focus Area	24 - 72 hours → More Detail and Program Examples	2 weeks - 1 month → More Detail and Program Examples	Ongoing → More Detail and Program Examples	Prerelease → More Detail and Program Examples	Community Supervision → More Detail and Program Examples
Physical Health → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: acute medication and treatment needs screen for infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis) need for HIV and STD testing need for pregnancy testing need for further assessment	Issues:: detailed assessment and physical examination medical and treatment history	Issues:: health education inreach by prior provider or other community-based providers subsequent check-ups	Issues:: need for follow-up care or referrals to community-based healthcare providers need for transitional medication supply need for medical discharge summary to follow-up provider eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Disability (SSDI)	Issues:: need, availability, and access to follow-up community-based health care, medication, and other supportive services adherence to medication and scheduled health care appointments access to / enrollment in federal benefits programs such as Medicaid, SSI, and SSDI
Physical Health → More Detail and Program Examples
Substance Abuse → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: recent substance abuse and treatment history detoxification and medication needs treatment needs need for further substance abuse assessment	Issues:: detailed substance abuse assessment: current substance abuse problem (e.g., problems with school/work) law violations related to substance abuse motivation and readiness for treatment	Issues:: motivation and readiness for treatment pre and post substance abuse treatment testing changes in attitudes and behaviors	Issues:: ongoing treatment needs changes in attitudes and behaviors motivation and readiness for treatment availability and proximity of community-based treatment providers	Issues:: need for and availability of drug treatment options ranging from detoxification to inpatient, residential treatment motivation and readiness for treatment appropriate expectations and incentives for avoiding drug related violations need for drug testing appropriate graduated sanctions for failure to appear for scheduled appointments / failed drug tests
Substance Abuse → More Detail and Program Examples
Mental Health → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: screen for mental health disorders, including history of trauma risk of physical harm to self and others medication needs need for further assessment	Issues:: detailed mental health assessment: past mental health issues, diagnoses, and treatment	Issues:: individual or group counseling and assessments medication review	Issues:: need for inpatient or outpatient mental health services upon release need for medication supply (at least 2 weeks) eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Disability (SSDI)	Issues:: need, availability, and access to follow-up community-based mental health care, medication, and other supportive services adherence to medication and scheduled mental health appointments
Mental Health → More Detail and Program Examples
Family Relationships → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: dependent care responsibilities need for placement of children with family members / caregivers victim’s history and needs child / family connectedness visitation plan	Issues:: sources of family and social support child / family visitation plan child / adult welfare agency involvement and planning child support obligations need / eligibility for modification of child support order (where applicable) strength / nature of family relationships	Issues:: family connectedness / social support quality and consistency of child / family visits potential for loss of child custody (after 15 months of incarceration) quality of relationship with children’s caregiver(s) changes in expectations for life after release	Issues:: sources of family and social support family’s service needs protective social services issues appropriateness of family reunification need for victim and family member notification and information regarding release	Issues:: ability and willingness of family and community members’ to assist with reintegration payment of child support obligations appropriateness / need for family reunification services domestic violence service needs (e.g., counseling, protective orders, and safety plans)
Family Relationships → More Detail and Program Examples
Housing → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: housing status (e.g., homeless, living with friends/family, public housing, transitional living program, own apartment, etc.)	Issues:: availability / stability of housing situation (e.g., history of domestic violence, drug use, criminal activity of housemates / spouse / family members) number of address changes in past year lease or rent obligations potential for loss of housing during the period of incarceration	Issues:: eligibility for public housing assistance programs feasibility, safety, and appropriateness of living with family members neighborhood characteristics / safety level	Issues:: eligibility for public housing assistance programs appropriateness of transitional living programs for people with disabilities, mental health or substance abuse problems access to appropriate housing access to transportation upon release feasibility, safety, and appropriateness of living with family members	Issues:: safety and security of housing arrangement upon release availability of different types of housing options appropriate for people with mental, physical, and substance abuse health needs stability of housing situation risk of eviction need for rental assistance
Housing → More Detail and Program Examples
Employment & Education → More Detail and Program Examples	Issues:: basic written English literacy basic oral English fluency identify people with disabilities / special needs	Issues:: employment and wage history education level and credentials math and reading skills vocational interests and goals learning styles appropriate work assignment need for educational and vocational programming	Issues:: appropriateness of educational and vocational programming appropriateness of institutional work assignment appropriateness of work-release assignment	Issues:: possession of / application for social security card, birth certificate, identification eligibility for work release desired areas of employment certifications and skills acquired during incarceration that may aid in job placement availability of One-Stop Career Centers and community-based employment resources availability and appropriateness of employers in the community that hire people with criminal records	Issues:: job readiness (interviewing skills, resume writing) job skills desired areas of employment opportunities for volunteer work or community service availability and appropriateness of employers in the community that hire people with criminal records potential for criminal record sealing or expungement
Employment & Education → More Detail and Program Examples
Financial Status → More Detail and Program Examples		Issues:: personal debts court fines and fees restitution support obligations including child support benefit enrollments (including enrollment of family members) ability to reduce or suspend support obligations that would otherwise accumulate during the period of incarceration	Issues:: ability to engage in institutional work to make payments towards financial obligations	Issues:: eligibility for TANF, supplemental security income, food stamps, and other benefits earnings potential (given criminal history / convictions)	Issues:: income and employment status disability and / or indigency feasibility of meeting scheduled payments towards financial obligations given earnings / disability / indigency eligibility for waiver of fines and fees or community service
Financial Status → More Detail and Program Examples
Recidivism Risk → More Detail and Program Examples		Issues:: number and nature of prior convictions age at first arrest escape history probation / parole revocation history need for treatment to address dynamic risk factors for recidivism (e.g., substance abuse, mental health, education, and social skills) (see also substance abuse, mental health, and housing sections)	Issues:: review of institutional behavior and programming need for further programming	Issues:: treatment program completion changes in attitudes and behavior risk to public safety recommendations and conditions for release	Issues:: degree of monitoring and intensity of services needed corresponding to risk of re-offending participation in community-based services to address recidivism risk factors (e.g., substance abuse, mental health, and education) appropriate graduated response to technical versus serious violations of supervision requirements
Recidivism Risk → More Detail and Program Examples