Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Scott Semple today joined state officials and advocates at a ceremony to open the newly established Veterans’ Unit of the Cybulski Reintegration Center in Enfield.
Report by Paula Antolini
November 9, 2015 7:47PM EDT
Gov. Malloy Announces Opening of Department of Correction’s Veterans’ Unit to Provide Unique Support Services for Inmates Re-Entering Society
Innovative Initiative Aims to Reduce Recidivism, Lower Crime, and Save Taxpayer Dollars
November 9, 2015 – (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Department of Correction (DOC) Commissioner Scott Semple today joined state officials and advocates at a ceremony to open the newly established Veterans’ Unit of the Cybulski Reintegration Center in Enfield. Created as part of the Governor’s Second Chance Society initiative, the specialized unit specifically targets inmates who have served in the United States military, providing tailored services specific to their needs while addressing barriers to successful reentry. The new housing unit, which holds 110 veteran inmates, aims to reduce recidivism, lower crime, and save taxpayer dollars. The initiative is part of a broader shift to recognize that when it comes to criminal justice and successfully reducing recidivism, one size does not fit all.
“We need to change our approach in the criminal justice system – and by tailoring services within our prison walls, we can lower crime outside of them. We are indeed taking a smarter, more pragmatic approach. Too many of our veterans end up mixed into the criminal justice system following their return to civilian life. While incredibly heartbreaking, it is critical that we provide the support services to address the unique needs of our veterans,” Governor Malloy said. “Our Second Chance Society initiatives are game changers so that we can prevent recidivism and eliminate a long-term cycle of crime and poverty. Tailoring our approach – instead of using a one-size-fits-all formula – gets to the core of systemic issues. This initiative is a major one.”
“Veterans cope with higher unemployment rates, service-related health problems, and many other challenges connected to civilian reintegration. The Veterans’ Unit will provide initiatives that help our veterans become the assets to our communities that we know they are,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “These agency partnerships will help reduce crime, but even more importantly, they demonstrate our commitment to our veterans – that they aren’t alone in facing these challenges.”
The Veterans’ Unit will function as a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USVA), the Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut Vet Centers, and other community-based veteran organizations.
Services provided at the unit will be a blend of DOC programs and community-based supports, in-reach efforts, and engagement to provide continuity of care from incarceration and throughout the transition to society. Its focus will encompass interagency and integrated case management to include the following services:
- Life skills training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Housing, medical insurance, and other basic needs
- Peer support and mentoring
- Personal identification procurement
- Mental health treatment (including PTSD, sexual trauma, brain injuries)
- Educational and vocational programs
- Employment readiness training
- Service upgrades
- Veterans services and benefits programs
- Parenting programs
- Coordinated referrals for community-based treatment
- Connections with veteran service organizations
- Work and program furloughs
“There is real synergy surrounding the criminal justice reform efforts across the state and across our nation. The Veterans’ Unit is yet another example of how the Department of Correction can be part of the solution,” Commissioner Semple said. “Reentry is complicated and requires that we all play an active role to reduce recidivism.”
Today, there are 16,019 inmates in Connecticut’s correctional system. Approximately 700 of them are veterans.
To identify inmates who are eligible for the unit, DOC has created a mechanism that links their data systems with the USVA. Identified inmates will then complete a screening/assessment and interview process to determine suitability for placement.
The Veterans’ Unit is open to inmates in any branch of service, including Reserves and National Guard. Eligible inmates are not required to serve in combat or be deployed. The Cybulski Reintegration Center is located within the Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution.
The announcement of this new unit comes days after the Governor started a policy conversation about how the state can build upon the “Second Chance Society” reforms, including raising the age of the juvenile justice systems jurisdiction, creating a new approach for low-risk young offenders between the ages of 21 and 25, and exploring bail bond reform.
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