NCJ Number
238470
Date Published
2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This report from the National Institute of Corrections examines the effectiveness of the Transition from Jail to Community Initiative employed by La Crosse County, WI.
Abstract
The Transition from Jail to Community (JTC) Initiative is an evidence-based transition model developed by the National Institute of Corrections and the Urban Institute aimed at improving public safety and enhancing the success of individuals returning to the community. This report examines the JTC as it was developed and implemented in La Crosse County, WI. The county's aim in participating in the program was to receive assistance in three areas: reviewing the current criminal justice system process to identify opportunities for improvement, improve data collection and understanding of the data, and establish systems for self-evaluation. Following implementation of the initiative, the county saw improvements in the following TJC target areas: 1) leadership, vision, and organizational culture; 2) collaborative structure and joint ownership; 3) data-driven understanding of jail reentry issues; 4) targeted intervention strategies; and 5) sustainability and self-evaluation. These improvements are discussed in detail in the report along with areas for further improvement. 1 figure