Family Reentry Program
The Governors Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (GOFBCI), in partnership with the ODRC,
will release approximately 1.8 million dollars Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) dollars to put into place and test
new, unique and distinctive demonstration projects that provide ex-offenders and their families with comprehensive integrated
family case management with the long term goals of reducing recidivism for adult ex-offenders and reducing the incidence of
generational incarceration for their children by stabilizing families through case-management and comprehensive supports.
Because the problem of post-release retention in community programs is well documented in the literature, the funds will be
used to develop best practices strategies to engage newly released offenders in family strengthening and reunification
programs. These demonstration projects will invest in strategies that serve to reunite ex-offenders with their families immediately prior to
and following an anticipated release from incarceration, increase service delivery including but not limited to employment
services, housing, referrals for addiction services, mental health services (TANF can pay for coordination of mental health
services, but not actual mental health services) to incarcerated men, women, and family members prior to and immediately
following their release, and decrease barriers to successful reintegration such as employment, housing, mental health issues
and addiction.
