TDOC Commissioner Tony Parker
ReStart Reentry Program: Empowering Women and Youth Towards Rehabilitation
Overview:
The ReStart Reentry Program is a transformative initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of recidivism among women and youth who have interacted with the justice system or are at risk of doing so. Our comprehensive programs aim to empower participants with the necessary tools, support, and opportunities to reintegrate successfully into society, lead fulfilling lives, and contribute positively to their communities.
Mission:
Our mission at the ReStart Reentry Program is to provide holistic support and resources to women and youth receiving social services, with a focus on reducing recidivism rates and juvenile delinquency. Through personalized interventions, education, mentorship, and community engagement, we strive to foster resilience, self-worth, and a sense of belonging among our participants.
Program Objectives:
1. Reduce Recidivism: We are committed to significantly lowering the rate of recidivism among women and youth by addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior and providing effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
2. Empowerment through Education: We offer educational opportunities tailored to the needs and interests of our participants, including academic classes, vocational training, life skills workshops, and access to higher education resources.
3. Personalized Support Services: Recognizing the diverse needs of our participants, we provide individualized case management, counseling, and support services to address mental health, substance abuse, housing instability, and other barriers to successful reentry.
4. Strengthening Families and Communities: We emphasize the importance of family reunification, healthy relationships, and community connections in the reintegration process, offering family counseling, parenting classes, and community-building activities to promote social cohesion and support networks.
5. Prevention and Early Intervention: Through proactive outreach and partnerships with schools, community organizations, and juvenile justice agencies, we work to identify at-risk youth and intervene early to prevent juvenile delinquency and future involvement in the justice system.
Program Components:
1. Reentry Planning and Case Management
2. Education and Skill Development
3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling
4. Family Reunification and Support Services
5. Community Engagement and Restorative Justice Practices
Impact:
The ReStart Reentry Program strives to create lasting positive change in the lives of women and youth, reduce the societal and economic costs of incarceration, and build safer, more inclusive communities. By empowering individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome adversity and pursue meaningful opportunities, we believe in the potential for transformation and renewal, one participant at a time.
Mentors play a crucial role in the lives of both women and youth offenders by providing guidance, support, and positive role modeling. Here's a closer look at the importance of mentors for these two groups:
Weekly “A Better Me” classes are held within the West Tennessee Penitentiary Women’s Therapeutic Residence to help women overcome life issues through Biblical principles which prepares them to transition back to a free society and maintain through life challenges.
A Better Me is an ongoing class which consist of several topics and courses to help each participant become better versions of themselves.
Upon completion of some courses, certificates are issued to demonstration knowledge and comprehension.