Hell all--
Sadly I've been out of town for most of this discussion. I manage a
re-entry education program in Portland Oregon for adults who are out of
prison or jail, or involved in substance abuse treatment. We serve 600
adults a year and see a much higher rate of learning challenges than our
community college colleagues. Our program, the Londer Learning Center,
is fully part of our county's probation department so program referrals
come from probation/parole officers, as well as courts and treatment
centers. Teachers are also hired by the probation department, and not
contracted through community college. This has had the advantage that
our teachers are expected to be knowledgeable --and receive training
in-- corrections' best practices--cognitive behavioral change,
motivational interviewing, etc. Teachers also must be well-versed in
learning disabilities as adults in rehab may have cognition
difficulties. The close connection between POs and treatment centers
creates a holistic learning environment--caseworkers (POs, counselors,
etc) provide the support students need to complete their education.
Also, teachers are on the "front lines" of identifying students who may
be relapsing and can provide direct referrals for students life
crises--common for adults in re-entry.

Why a separate program for community college? Unfortunately, many
community colleges have institutional barriers that adults in re-entry
cannot negotiate. For example, intake may occur just once a term and
requires appointments and fees. Most adults in re-entry--who've left
jail/prison and are in the community--have so many barriers that any
additional difficulty will impede follow-through to finish school. Our
program works closely with the community college--once students are
stabilized, it is our goal to help them transition.

An important note for anyone wishing to start a re-entry program--
corrections professionals look at programs that address "criminogenic
risk factors." Lack of education and employment is among the top risk
factors that can lead to crime. Educational programs, therefore, can and
do reduce recidivism. 

I'd be happy to provide more information about our program. You can read
more about us on our website:
http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dcj/asdllcindex.html

Carole Scholl
Manager
Londer Learning Center
Multnomah County Department of Community Justice
Portland, Oregon

-----Original Message-----
From: specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:specialtopics-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Steve Schwalb
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 11:43 AM
To: specialtopics at nifl.gov
Subject: [SpecialTopics 930] Re: Last day of corrections
educationtransitiondiscussion