Title: Reentry Resource Centers

Summary: Provides inmate transition services through reentry resource centers; specifies types of assistance that should be included; specifies process for provision of such assistance; provides goals; requires DOC to coordinate with other departments for certain purposes.

Full Text:
An act relating to reentry resource centers; amending s. 944.706, F.S.; providing for the provision of inmate transition services through reentry resource centers; specifying some types of assistance that should be included; specifying a process for provision of such assistance; providing goals for support services for releasees; requiring the department to coordinate with other departments for certain purposes; providing an effective date. Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: Section 1. Section 944.706, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 944.706 Basic Release assistance.-(1) Any inmate who is being released is eligible for transition assistance. Those inmates released to a detainer are eligible pursuant to s. 944.703. These services should be made available through reentry resource centers that collocate the necessary support services and resources in one location, including services that address the critical needs of released inmates such as housing, employment, family unification, mental and physical health treatment, and probation support. Resource centers shall use the following process: HB 1303 2024 (a) Engagement with the inma te, including an initial conversation to set expectations, discuss employment goals, and complete appropriate referrals to employment opportunities, training grants, or other special grants. (b) Crafting a customized plan for each inmate that may include enrollment in the system, an initial assessment, and the fostering of a relationship. (c) Continued contact or meetings with the inmate, at least monthly, to begin plan activities, reassess and adjust the plan as needed, and validate and complete the pl an. Such a plan must include: 1. Career connection activities such as updating a r sum  or applications for target careers and continuing job search and job development until the inmate is employed. 2. Maintaining at least quarterly contact with a foll ow-up specialist for year after the attainment of employment. (2) The department may contract with the Department of Children and Families, the Salvation Army, and other public or private organizations, including faith-based service groups, for the provision of basic support services for releasees. The goals for such services include obtaining skills to gain stable employment, finding permanent housing, and not returning to the justice system. (3) The department shall coordinate and arrange with other departments to facilitate entry into other applicable programs HB 1303 2024 such as nutrition assistance programs, work opportunity programs, and dislocated worker programs for which an inmate may be eligible. (4)(3) The department shall adopt rules for the development, implementation, and termination of transition assistance. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.