§745.2. Offender Reentry Support Pilot Program; establishment; participating correctional
institution; content; administration; implementation; reporting
A. The "Offender Reentry Support Pilot Program" is hereby created and established
within the Pointe Coupee Sheriff's Office.
B. The program shall consist of all of the following components:
(1) An Offender Rehabilitation and Accountability Plan that is specific to each
offender housed at the Pointe Coupee Detention Center and provides for all of the following:
(a) Engages the offender personally in the transition to release, sets clear and defined
goals and expectations, and affords access to programs and services that will meet the
individual's assessed risks and needs.
(b) Assists the offender in resolving any behavioral issues he may have, including
access to counseling for substance abuse, anger and aggression, antisocial behavior, cognitive
deficits, domestic violence, and lack of parenting skills all as needed by the offender.
(c) Assesses the offender throughout incarceration to determine progress and
achievement of the goals and expectations established for that offender.
(d) Introduces the offender to stakeholders in the community where the offender will
be returning upon release to reinforce law-abiding and responsible behavior.
(2) An education and job skills training plan specific to each offender housed at the
Pointe Coupee Detention Center. Education and training provided within this plan shall be
developed in partnership with employers and educational institutions within Pointe Coupee
Parish, and any other appropriate parishes, to ensure that the types of instruction provided
aligns with the needs of employers in the region that are willing to hire ex-offenders. When
possible and appropriate, transitional on-the-job training should occur prior to release from
incarceration.
(3) An employment preparation plan that, prior to release, will provide the offender
with skills training that addresses proper work ethic, communication, attitude, personal
responsibility, and workplace culture. If required, the offender shall receive instruction in
completing computerized applications, assistance with resume development, or assistance
in job searches. The Louisiana Workforce Commission shall assist the Pointe Coupee
Sheriff's Office in providing these services.
(4) A post-release support plan that will provide each ex-offender a single point of
contact for assistance with the needs and challenges that are encountered after being
discharged from the detention center. This assistance shall be made available to the
ex-offender for a period of twelve months following release. Support provided shall include,
at a minimum and as needed, help in obtaining the following:
(a) Necessary identification documents.
(b) Housing.
(c) Transportation.
(d) Substance abuse treatment.
(e) Family and domestic violence counseling.
(f) Parenting.
(g) Health care.
(h) Child care.
(i) Insurance.
C. The sheriff is hereby authorized to research potential funding sources for this pilot
program and obtain funds from any private, federal, state, and local sources available for
such initiatives as are developed and undertaken by the program. Such funds shall be used
exclusively for the purposes of the program.
D. Within twenty-four months following initial implementation of the "Offender
Reentry Support Pilot Program", the sheriff shall submit to the House Committee on
Administration of Criminal Justice and the Senate Committee on Judiciary C a
comprehensive report regarding the implementation of the pilot program, funding obtained
for its implementation, the progress of offenders and ex-offenders under the program, and
a recommendation for continuation, expansion, or termination of the program. The sheriff
shall provide an additional report to the committees listed in this Subsection prior to the 2018
Regular Session and thereafter as the committees require.
Acts 2014, No. 342, §1; Acts 2016, No. 150, §1.