Corrections_Today_Fall_2024_Vol.86_No.3

REENTRY

Specialist (PRSS). The PRSS not only serves as a role model for successful reentry but also facilitates the community connection process, which begins as soon as six months prior to release. By screening across 14 social needs domains, the PRSS helps ensure that RSAT members receive support in crucial areas such as hous ing, health care and employment skills, among others. On average, RSAT members indicate a need in 8 out of 14 social needs domains. Community partner collaboration RSAT graduates often have the opportunity to transi tion to community housing partners who offer vocational training/employment, medication-assisted treatment, and behavioral therapy in one location. This integrated approach significantly enhances the chances of successful reintegration into society and reduces the risk of reof fending. The RSAT program is able to offer this level of integration with community services through partners like Success Care. Success Care is a substance use disor der care program and supporter of RSAT. An important predictor of success for RSAT graduates is engagement with community resources. The patients seen by Success Care have a 34-day engagement in alcohol or other drug (AOD) treatment rate of 68, 139% higher than the 2021 Medicaid health management organization Engagement of AOD treatment rate, which is 28%. 6 (Calculation logic consistent with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Infor mation Set measure definition; generated using 2023 data on 218 MAT program participants.) Success Care credits the use of PRSS professionals as a crucial factor bridging the gap between clinical and social care needs. This addi tionally underscores the effectiveness and importance of incorporating peer support into reentry programs. Call to action Arizona’s success with the RSAT Program should inspire nationwide efforts to reform reentry strategies. The following key actions can be taken: 1. Building Support Among Corrections Officers For other states to succeed in implementing an RSAT-like model, they should cultivate support among corrections officers on the ground for such a program to ensure a seamless transition from incarceration to reentry programs.

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The RSAT Program approach Holistic skills development

The RSAT Program’s success can be attributed to its comprehensive approach to providing cognitive, behav ioral, social and vocational skills. The goal is to empower graduates with the ability to manage and overcome substance use disorders and related challenges. By ad dressing multiple dimensions of an individual’s life, the RSAT Program equips participants with a robust skill set for successful reintegration into society. Release planning Traditionally, released inmates are only offered minimal support with a cursory confirmation of where they will be living and a nominal amount of money that generally fails to cover the intended combination of transportation (bus pass), food and clothing. RSAT graduates, conversely, are better set up for a success ful transition into the community by having support with obtaining government identification and a Social Security number; enrollment in the Arizona Medicaid program, also known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS; connection to clini cal care and medication; and alerting various community partners about their release, a critically important step to ensure continuity of care for released inmates who are actively receiving medical care. This proactive approach is a key driver of reducing recidivism to prison. Incorporation of peer recovery support specialist Another unique differentiator of the RSAT Program is the involvement of a Community Peer Recovery Support

Corrections Today | Fall 2024

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