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Addressing
the Cycle of Crime
The Crime Prevention Institute (CPI) provides essential
transitional services to individuals released from prison
or jail back into the community. In order to capitalize
on state-mandated services to reduce recidivism and
jail overcrowding, CPI delivers individualized, intensive
case management to guide clients toward becoming productive,
active and employed participants in our community, at
a 90 percent reduced cost than that of pursuing, prosecuting
and re-incarcerating a repeat offender.
Additionally, CPI staff and board members are key leaders
in many collaborative workgroups and committees that
work toward addressing issues related to the problem
of crime and incarceration, including substance abuse,
homelessness, skills/education barriers, social stigma,
and public policies. CPI is regarded as an important
contributor to these discussions and collaborations
because our contact with this at-risk population is
frequent and direct - on the streets where they live,
in the places they work and in the neighborhoods where
they face their most extreme challenges to success.
We see the complicated and sometimes overwhelming factors
that influence a person's behaviors and choices first
hand. We also see how motivated and committed individuals
become when they are guided toward self-sufficiency
through empowering programs, community resources and
personal encouragement.
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| CPI
Case Manager Larry Branham leads a weekly post-release
group downtown at the Trinity Center for men returning
to the community from Travis State Jail. |
CPI’s
case management services are 100% outreach. Case managers
go to where the client is, in the community and on the
streets, to provide the supportive services and basic
needs necessary for a successful transition back into
the community.
Demonstrated Success
CPI operates two programs: Targeted Project Re-Enterprise
and Enterprising Girl Scouts Beyond Bars. Both programs
have between a 65-75% employment rate for the formerly
incarcerated individuals served. A recent internal recidivism
study showed that 80% of men served in the TPRE program
had NOT been convicted of a new felony within one year
of release. Recent estimates indicate that of all the
women served in the EGSBB program since 1998, only 8%
have returned to prison.
This translates to individuals contributing to the economy
rather than taking from society, paying taxes rather
than running from the law, and parenting in person rather
than behind a glass window.
Awards
CPI Wins 2006 Greenlights for Nonprofit Success Nonny
Award for Most Unique Collaboration
 The
Nonny Awards are a fun way to celebrate unique innovation
among Central Texas non-profits. Any agency is eligible
as long as they have done something SUPER creative to
positively impact an organization or community. CPI
received the Nonny Award in 2006 for ‘Most Unique
Collaboration.’ The nomination consisted of a Top
Ten List (David Letterman style) entitled, “Top
Ten Things You Learn When You House Your NonProfit Inside
a Jail.” It was a great opportunity to have a little
fun at our own expense, and give a light hearted thank
you to TDCJ for our donated office space! Click here
to read more.
CPI Board Chair Wins 2006 Dell Volunteers of Distinction
Award for His Service and Leadership
CPI Wins 2005 Mental Health Association of Texas
Ring of Honor Award
www.utexas.edu/opa/news/2005/10/social_work19.html
Cost of Supporting
a Client
The cost of keeping an individual behind bars is $16,400
per year. In 2006, Texas Department of Criminal Justice
incarcerated 152,700 individuals on an annual budget
of $2.5 billion.
The Crime Prevention Institute guides clients toward
becoming productive, active, and employed participants
in the community at a 90% reduced cost when compared
to pursuing, prosecuting, and re-incarcerating a repeat
offender.
Client support costs are surprisingly low:
$10 buys two 31-day bus passes, allowing two
clients better access to jobs. Most ex-offenders return
to the free world without access to a car and a bus
pass becomes essential for clients to obtain and retain
a job.
$25 purchases one client a driver’s license
or state identification card. Most jobs require a valid
photo identification card to apply.
$50 buys a set of clothes and a month’s
worth of hygiene products. When released from jail,
most clients are without family support or access to
basic provisions. It can be difficult to feel confident
with these needs unmet.
$200 rewards a client for 90 days of hard work.
An employed ex-offender is much less likely to re-offend.
$1000 sponsors a client to participate in the
entire program including pre-release education, transitional
services, and post-release case management.
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