Resources
There are many barriers that can keep a person from successfully re-entering the community. Situations such as substance abuse/dependency, mental health concerns, debt, low educational attainment, and limited work experience build a mounting wall of issues that returning citizens face.
Having access to community resources such as job training, medical and mental health care, housing, food and clothing, transportation, and legal assistance, are vital in order to ensure the best possible outcome for returning citizens.
Below is an array of resources that CAPARC offers through its member partnerships.
Work Groups
CAPARC has formed partnerships with public and private organizations throughout East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas to increase the scope of services available to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Education
Education not only improves returning citizen’s quality of life, but it also helps them qualify for better work opportunities. Through CAPARC’s partnerships with colleges and adult education programs returning citizens have access to GED programs, vocational training and college degrees.
Health and Wellness
Returning citizens often need help tending to their health care needs after release, especially those with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. CAPARC has partnered with heath related service providers to meet the physical and mental health needs of returning citizens.
Transportation
Without consistent transportation, returning citizens may have difficulty finding and keeping employment, attending medical appointments, or meeting with their supervision officer. CAPARC
partners with CATS to help returning citizens get bus passes and plan routes using public transportation
Housing
Without adequate living conditions, returning citizens are more likely to reoffend. CAPARC partners with community service providers that specialize in post-release housing for formerly incarcerated individuals to help find safe housing.
Employment
Finding and maintaining a job can make all the difference in keeping a formerly incarcerated individual from returning to prison. CAPARC along with stakeholders host job fairs where they can discuss job opportunities with returning citizens.
Legal
CAPARC has partnered with several justice involved organizations to provide free legal assistance to returning citizens and to help them challenge and navigate the barriers to successful reen try to society.