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The founding principle of Safer Return is that the entire community must be engaged and prepared to positively impact prisoner reentry and reduce recidivism.

Through the collaborative efforts of community members, law enforcement, service providers, businesses, and participants, Safer Return aims to:

• Develop an innovative approach to prisoner reentry and comprehensively address the transitional needs of both the returning clients and their community
• Build the capacity of institutions and communities to facilitate a smooth journey home from prison
• Reform institutions to promote an enhanced response to returning clients by the justice system, service providers, and the business community.

Safer Return was made possible by a generous grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The program is led by Safer Foundation, evaluated by the Urban Institute, and guided by a National Advisory Board and a local Community Board.

Components of Safer Return Model:

Welcome Home Panels: Beginning in prison, community members and parole officers visit clients (face-to-face or via videoconferencing) to begin reentry planning. Everyone returning from Illinois state prisons to East Garfield Park has the opportunity to enroll in this program.

Reentry Planning/Coordination: The reentry coaching case management is ongoing and provides guidance and support to the clients. It also helps coordinate resources, appropriate services, and maintain client accountability, with an overall goal of self-sufficiency. At this level, reentry coaches provide family inclusive case management.

Employment: Safer Return focuses on both immediate and long-term employment. Civic Community Works provides transitional employment through supportive work crews concentrating on community improvement efforts and hard-skills training. Employment developers target the greater Chicago area’s job market and provide a variety of sustainable employment opportunities.

Mentoring/Stages of Reentry: A group mentoring/peer support structure, led by successful formerly incarcerated individuals and community volunteers, supports participants during their stages of reentry.

Community Parole: Through Safer Return, the Illinois Department of Corrections provides specially trained, community-based parole officers who partner with Safer Return coaches.