HOMELESS EX-OFFENDERS

Homelessness is a major obstacle in the stability process for anyone and the ex-offender is no exception.  CSC attempts to lessen this barrier to success with its housing assistance program, which provides minimal assistance to individuals who secure employment and meet the other goals toward stability and self-sufficiency. 

PRE-RELEASE IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

CSC staff visits seven correctional facilities around the state each year in an effort to provide resource information to releasing inmates to make the re-entry transisiton as smooth and successful as possible.  These pre-release sessions provide inmates the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns related to their release.  Most importantly, pre-release gives inmates a point of contact to obtain initial services or direction upon release. 

Community Service Placements for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

The CSC provides services to individuals age 18 years and older who are court ordered to complete community service hours for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).  The agency offers:

(a) Facilitation of Community Service Placements, (b) Monitors placements

(c) Prepares and submits reports to the courts

(d) Provides linkage to supportive services, which may reduce the incidents of repeat DWI offenses.

(e) Conducts assessments as are prescribed by the courts.

Cost is $50.00 per 200 hours of community service monitoring.

YOUTH OFFENDERS CAN BE "WINNERS"

Youth Offenders ages 17 - 22 years represent an increasing number of the offender population.  This segment of the population brings a different twist to the offender population.  CSC is attempting to meet the challenge of servicing them through GED Preparatory classes, substance abuse support, employment readiness and facilitation, long-term tracking and volunteer activities.  The CSC attempts to develop the "WINNER" in each of these clients, which will allow them to move from criminal activity to successful productivity.

PROJECT CARE - SERVING HIV/AIDS INFECTED EX-OFFENDERS

Project Care is a CSC program specifically targeting the HIV/AIDS infected ex-offender.  This program is funded by National AIDS Gulf Coast relief.  Project Care's mission is to ensure that the HIV infected ex-offender population becomes established in the New Orleans EMA continuum of care, particularly increasing their access to medical care.  The CSC provides case managment, as well as supportive services and referrals, to assist the releasing inmate and other ex-offenders to have a better quality of life.  Often the CSC Case Management Team travels to correctional facilities within the State of Louisiana to provide case management services to the infected inmates prior to thier release.  This includes linking the offender to primary medical care, completing an intake, ensuring coordination of services upon release, as well as ensuring that the inmate is receiving needed medication while incarcerated.  Coordinating care for the inmate population helps to "bridge the gap" for that individual that often times never makes it into care upon release.  Other services that are available through this program include providing state identification cards, birth certificates, employment assistance, transportation, counseling, support groups, and linkage to long-term case management agencies.

Project Care Eligibility Requirements:

All Project Care clients must be:

· A resident of the New Orleans Eligible Metropolitan Area (Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Tangipahoa, St. John The Baptist, and Plaquemines parishes)

· HIV/AIDS infected (documented)