NCJ Number
240594
Date Published
2013
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This Web page contains information on the Kings County District Attorney Office (Brooklyn, New York) ComALERT reentry program.
Abstract
ComALERT (Community and Law Enforcement Resources Together) was created in 1999 by the Kings County District Attorney Office to increase the chances of men and women returning from prison to successfully reintegrate into Brooklyn communities. When enrolled in the ComALERT program, whether voluntary or as a condition of release, the individual is provided access to an effective combination of immediate wraparound transitional services, such as substance abuse treatment and counseling, anger management, GED classes, job readiness workshops and placement assistance, mentoring, transitional housing, and health insurance enrollment. These services greatly increase the odds of successful reentry. In 2011, ComALERT served 985 individuals and has the capacity to serve up to 1,200 annually. The program generates the majority of its client enrollment through a partnership with New York State Department of Correction and Community Supervision, Brooklyn Parole Division. This partnership ensures that most incoming clients receive services rapidly, often within the first few weeks or less of their release. Individuals released from prison are directed to report to Kings County (Brooklyn) Parole offices within 24 to 48 hours of release. If the conditions of parole include mandated substance abuse treatment and counseling, or if prescreening determines the candidate meets program criteria, the parole officer may direct the individual to report to ComALERT where they are further assessed and entered into the program. In order to complete the program, the participant must be drug-free for three consecutive months and show proof of employment for at least 30 days, or proof that the participant has satisfactorily engaged for at least 30 days in an approved course of academic study (a GED program or college classes) or a job training course.