Housing Options for Formerly Incarcerated People (Department of Corrections)

Good Morning Sarika,

I apologize for the delay, Please know that although we are backlogged, your FOAA request 2018-73 is in process.

Please note for future reference, I noticed you copied your requests to Dr. Joseph Fitzpatrick and want to let you know that Randall Liberty is now the Acting Commissioner.

Thank you for your patience,

Jane Tower, Secretary Specialist on behalf of
Karen Yeaton, Associate Commissioner
Maine Dept. of Corrections
111 SHS
Augusta, ME 04330
T: 207.287.4378
F: 207.287.4370
Karen.yeaton@maine.gov<mailto:Karen.yeaton@maine.gov>

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Good Afternoon Sarika,

Please find below and attached the responses to your FOAA request 2018-73.
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1. Any informational and educational materials distributed in correctional facilities about housing options available to inmates post-release?
Response:
While Case managers provide information to releasing prisoners- their primary function is to secure housing (and other needed services such as MaineCare, SSDI, education). Many of these resources, especially housing, is very dynamic. One resource that is utilized and updated somewhat frequently is this website of recovery residences (jhrecovery.org/mehouses) Again, our case managers dedicate their efforts in securing the resource versus distributing written information.

In terms of educational/vocational programs for reentry, educators and case managers work together to ensure continuity of programs and services - whether that is helping offenders fill out college or job applications, identify contact people in adult ed. or college settings, giving Accuplacer testing, etc. Educators and case managers work to create pathway with offenders to pursue educational/vocational programs post release.

1. Any currently valid policies/procedures detailing Department reentry services specific to accessing housing options post-release.
Response: You may find policy 27.01 Release and Reentry Planning attached and at our website at https://www.maine.gov/corrections/PublicInterest/policies.shtml.

1. Any statistical reports detailing admission and release trends from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
Response: You may find the statistical data you are looking for on our website at https://www.maine.gov/corrections/reports-statistical-data.htm. Please see 2018 Year End MDOC Adult Data Report.

1. Any statistical reports regarding inmates' housing status prior to and following commitment to the Department from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017?
Response: We do not have any such statistical reports.

1. Any statistical reports detailing recidivism data from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
Response: You may find the statistical data you are looking for on our website at https://www.maine.gov/corrections/reports-statistical-data.htm. Please see Return to Custody Report One Year Post Release 2010-2017.
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Respectfully,
Jane Tower, Secretary Specialist on behalf of
Karen Yeaton, Associate Commissioner
Maine Dept. of Corrections
111 SHS
Augusta, ME 04330
T: 207.287.4378
F: 207.287.4370
Karen.yeaton@maine.gov<mailto:Karen.yeaton@maine.gov>

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2018-73 FOAA REQUEST
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Maine Freedom of Access Act, I hereby request the following records:
-Any informational and educational materials distributed in correctional facilities about housing options available to inmates post-release
-Any currently valid policies/procedures detailing Department reentry services specific to accessing housing options post-release
-Any statistical reports detailing admission and release trends from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
-Any statistical reports detailing recidivism data from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
-Any statistical reports regarding inmates' housing status prior to and following commitment to the Department from between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017
Please provide materials from all state correctional facilities and on a rolling basis, as they become available.
If you have any questions, please feel free to clarify via phone at 610-637-7745.
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by 1 M.R.S.A. § 408(6). The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Sarika Ram
Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>
Upload documents directly: https://www.muckrock.com/accounts/agency_login/department-corrections-3982/housing-options-for-formerly-incarcerated-people-department-of-corrections-62736/?email=joseph.fitzpatrick%40maine.gov&uuid-login=414b4916-a2fc-44cf-9136-38bc51988a98#agency-reply
Is this email coming to the wrong contact? Something else wrong? Use the above link to let us know.
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 62736
411A Highland Ave
Somerville, MA 02144-2516
PLEASE NOTE: This request was filed by a MuckRock staff reporter. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
[http://email.requests.muckrock.com/o/eJwNzE0OwiAQQOHTyJLMUH4XrKrnMDgMirUSaavXl-XLl7wcjbGiRgUYAFVAAI1Oojy72cwXpcGi8Q7sSUPnz8Hbvsn1oKU3WiS1VTxi4UlzYUrFm5txpYTkFRUir0NmRMFrqq9rzdFPwQKIHp_pzXJvP-7jO3TUvX3_4-8qUg]