NCJ Number
214417
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 86 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2006 Pages: 206-229
Date Published
June 2006
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article the examines the role of the "boundary spanner" under the Kansas Reentry Program for ex-inmates.
Abstract
The Kansas Department of Corrections (KDC) was awarded a Federal grant under the Federal Partner's Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, which calls for grantees to design and implement a three-part program for the community reintegration of ex-inmates. The KDC worked with the University of Kansas to design, implement, and evaluate the Kansas Reentry Program, which includes the position of boundary spanner. The boundary spanner works as a neutral party in facilitating cooperation among multiple agencies that can assist ex-inmates in achieving positive adjustment in the community after their release. One major tenet of the Kansas Reentry Program is that offenders will be connected to pre-existing resources, social services, and treatment agencies prior to their release from prison; they are then followed with a continuum of care after their release. The authors advise that for boundary spanners to be effective there must be willing and capable advocates in the department of corrections who have a clear understanding of the complex issues associated with reentry and be willing to assess long-standing practices. In Kansas, the boundary spanner's work focuses on the postrelease phase of the offender's reintegration into the community. The boundary spanner addresses any problem that prevents an ex-inmate from receiving the services he/she needs from appropriate agencies and service providers in the reentry network. During the past 2 years, the boundary spanner has assisted with the development of nearly 40 new partnerships, and he maintains contact with these partners. As new agencies and services are identified, the boundary spanner connects with them to facilitate their serving effectively in the reentry network. 39 references