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The Road to Work from Prison to Community: The Role of Computer-Based Learning
Part Two: Sharing Lessons on Designing and Implementing a Technology-Based Prison Re-Entry Program
David Bucholz, Program Manager, Business Access
From http://www.business-access.com/cisvsupport.asp#vendorcontact:
Business Access builds customized online communities for historically
disadvantaged
citizens. Built around individualized training curriculums, these
communities
offer workforce entities, housing authorities, cities and states
real-time solutions
to closing the digital divide and building universal access. Computers
placed
in the users’ homes truly close the digital divide, allowing 24/7/365
access. The need for childcare, public transportation and time off work
is reduced. A PC in the home promotes "whole-family" learning,
introducing children and other family members to the excitement of the
Internet, computer-based training and technology.
Online communities can also be used in Community Technology Centers as
a guideline for computer exploration and online learning or in
combination with a regional in-home community.
Rebecca Sanford, Assistant Professor, Monmouth University and WRITE-NJ, Inc.
WRITE-NJ is an independent nonprofit
organization committed to helping incarcerated women in New Jersey
prepare for and pursue higher education and viable occupational
training so to effectively reduce he women’s chances of successful
transition back to the community and thus, the likelihood of recidivism.
Bruce Roach, Instructional technology Manager, Bo Robinson Facility
The Albert M. "Bo" Robinson Education and Training Center,
opened in January 1997 and provides comprehensive assessments and
treatment to 420 male and female offenders, including Technical Parole
Violators. Bo Robinson is designed to accommodate and provide
specialized services to a wide range of at-risk correctional
populations. While residing at Bo Robinson, residents are assessed for
current risk factors for public safety concerns and recidivism. Data is
also collected to assess the resident’s current treatment needs. The
treatment component consists of individual and group counseling,
substance abuse treatment, educational services, vocational training,
skills-based trainings, family services, and aftercare/alumni services.
In addition, the facility provides gender-specific programming designed
to help female residents address issues related to substance abuse,
criminal thinking, and domestic violence. Upon completion of program
requirements, New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) residents
are classified to appropriate halfway house programs. The Technical
Parole Violators program, known as the “Halfway Back” program, offers
an alternative to re-incarceration for male and female offenders who
have violated their parole.
Patricia Morris, Senior Researcher, Center for Women and Work, Rutgers Universityor Women and Work, Rutgers University
Morris described process evaluation conducted by the Center for Women and work:
- Is the program effective as designed?
- How could it be improved?
Bertram Shockley, Associate Director of Business Services and Workforce Training, Essex County College
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The Sloan/Rutgers E-Learning Conference Stream
Attached is an overview of the NJ project