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Some acknowledged the fact that it was not that the program failed to prepare them but rather that they were not at Sheridan for change. One survey participant said, “You have to want to be engaged. I was there just to be there because it's close to where I stay at.”
The men interviewed were also asked what was not offered at Sheridan that would have been helpful to them. Some mentioned that financial assistance would have been helpful. One man stated, “More financial help. Had nothing. Went two weeks without toothpaste. Would have been less stressful.”
Others mentioned increasing access to vocational programs or employment. One said Sheridan “did not have enough spots open in the vocational classes.” Another said, “If they would have set us up with jobs once we were leaving, that would have helped.”
Finally, others suggested specific programmatic elements. One man said, “It was offered but they should have stressed the behavior modification techniques more in-depth.”
Preparation for reentry
Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC)
TASC advocates for people in courts, jail, prisons, and child welfare systems who need treatment for drug and alcohol and mental health problems. TASC is responsible for pre-release clinical re- entry case management services and post-release reentry case management in the community while Sheridan participants are on mandatory supervised release.
A majority of the study participants (78 percent) reported participating in TASC services upon release from Sheridan. Of them, 36 percent said TASC was helpful, 26 percent said it was not helpful, and 16 percent said it was somewhat or sometimes helpful (22 percent said not applicable).
Some of those who did not participate in TASC stated that they were not informed about or required to receive TASC services or that TASC services were not available in their area. One person felt TASC would not be beneficial.
TASC Services
Of the 39 inmates that participated in TASC services, 41 percent reported participating in Case Management, 26 percent in Winner’s Circle (a community based support group for people who have been incarcerated), 15 percent in Recovery Support Services, and 15 percent in substance abuse treatment (Figure 7). Few participated in self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (5 percent) and 18 percent said Other. Eighteen percent participated in more than one service.
