In 2007, a permanent supportive housing program was created by The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing Ohio Office (CSH). The program is on-going, and approximately 100 formerly incarcerated persons released from 13 Ohio male and female correctional facilities will be afforded permanent housing and support services.
The pilot program’s goals is to reduce homelessness after release from prison, cut the costs of a variety of services used throughout the criminal justice system, including housing/homelessness and mental health issues. The program calls for substance abuse treatment and mental health care to be provided to the residents, as needed. Before release each inmate will be screened by prison staff members who will take an active part in release planning. Eligibility is contingent on the risk of being homeless when released, having been homeless at the time of incarceration, or having a disability, which includes addiction, developmental disorders and mental health problems.
Since June 2010, $3.8 million has been invested in the program by ODRC. The program has supplied 85 beds to 150 reentering citizens across five Ohio cities. The Urban Institute is conducting a study of the pilot program to determine if the recidivism rate of participants is lowered, and if stability rate of formerly incarcerated persons in the program is higher in comparison with non-participants. The outcome of the study will establish if the benefits outweigh the costs. The report is expected to be completed in June 2012.
To view the report Click here to go to website
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