65A - JAIL REUSE STUDY - Laserfiche WebLink

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Significant expansion of Jail services will require additional program space that is configured to accommodate validated evidence -based assessments and programming California's criminal justice system wants to pursue. The goal is to introduce and provide ongoing dedicated exemplary assessment, rehabilitative substance abuse treatment, behavioral health, and other critical support services to these groups of incarcerated offenders. In order to accommodate these expanded services, additional programming and classroom space would need to be developed. This option would enclose and transform the third floor quasi -outdoor recreation yard into a large, habitable program room(s) containing approximately 2,200 square feet of area. The renovation of the recreation yard and conversion to program space would provide a facility -wide total area containing 7,033 square feet for classroom activities. This would raise the dedicated classroom / program areas in the City Jail to approximately 4.5% of the total 168,243 square feet contained in the building. This expands available classroom and programming space at the Jail by nearly 40.0% compared to what is found in typical California jail facilities. With the new program space, the City Jail would be able to explore contracting with qualified public and private service providers experienced with risk and needs assessments, evidence -based model counseling, and other interventions that will facilitate the reentry of offenders from the Jail environment to the community. By pursuing these program standards, in -custody dedicated service providers, counselors, and education agencies knowledgeable with offender populations would be able to deliver "best practices" in the jail setting and begin the process of transitional reentry planning to these offenders who are redirected to community supervision. The specific best practice programming components that could be considered for introduction and use include (a) assessing the clinical and social needs, and public safety risks of the incarcerated offender population, (b) planning (short- and long- term) for treatment and services required to address the offender's needs, (c) implementation of evidence -based in -custody rehabilitation programs designed to reduce recidivism with adult offender populations, (d) identifying required community and correctional programs that can assist with post -release services, and (e) coordinating the transition plan to ensure implementation and avoid gaps in care. This programming would likely cover rive major offender areas including (1) academic, vocational and financial, (2) alcohol and other drugs, (3) aggression, hostility, anger and violence, (4) criminal thinking, behaviors, and associations, and (5) family, marital and relationships. The focus in these areas will follow eight evidence -based practices (EBP) and principles including (a) target highest risk offenders, (b) assess offenders needs, (c) design responsivity into programming, (d) develop behavior management plans, (e) deliver treatment programs using cognitive -based strategies, (f) motivate and shape offender behaviors, (g) engender the community as a protective factor against recidivism and use the community to support offender reentry and reintegration, and (h) identify outcomes and measure progress. A key element of the services will continue to be cognitive behavioral therapy models which identifies how thinking and behavior are related and encourages offenders to take personal responsibility for both. The expanded programming would build on the current inmate services in place at the City Jail facility. Additional groups and individual counseling services would be developed and implemented. 73 o • . '