Corrections

Overview of Initiative

The Camden County Reentry Committee, established in 2017, is comprised of system stakeholders and community-based service and treatment providers working to identify systemic barriers and challenges individuals face upon returning home following a period of incarceration. Over the last three years several policies, practices, and programs have been implemented to eliminate barriers and to provide opportunities to assist individuals with remaining arrest and incarceration free.

Most recently the Camden County Reentry Committee has been preparing for the impact of the passed NJ Senate Bill, S2519, that will release more than three thousand individuals from the NJ Department of Corrections to communities throughout NJ, including Camden County.

In preparation for hundreds of individuals returning home to Camden County on or around November 4, 2020, the Camden County Reentry Committee will be launching a communications campaign to educate individuals returning home, families, correctional administration and staff, reentry support agencies, employers, and the community of this initiative.

The Reentry Committee plans to take the following steps and implement a multi-pronged, coordinated reentry support initiative to assist those men and women being released and returning home to Camden County.

Camden County’s NuEntry Outreach and Engagement Initiative for Individuals Returning Home from the NJ Department of Corrections

• Phase 1 – Date of Release (Transportation): Anyone released will be met by the CCRC members and volunteers as designated sites near the discharge facility.  All returning citizens will be transported to the facilities of Dare Academy, or for those having prearranged travel by family or friends provided with directions to the Dare Academy facilities located at 1656 Kaighn Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103.
• Phase 2 – Welcome & Intake with Transformative Justice Initiative (TJI): (848) 230-5855; Program Contacts: Antonne Henshaw and Ibrahim Sulaimani. Upon arrival at C.A.N.D.O. at Dare Academy all participants will receive a COVID safe “Welcome Home” Package, including essential supplies, snacks, protective supplies and sanitizer, and other support materials. A comprehensive Intake and Needs Assessment will be given to all individuals. This will include completing an online application for health insurance if needed.  All individuals willing to participate in this initiative will be given emergency support contact information and a Career Strategy follow-up appointment to be scheduled within 5 days.  All immediate housing and medical concerns will be addressed during the Intake Phase.
• Phase 3 – Follow up: Camden County Reentry Committee partners, stakeholders, and reentry support agencies will be provided direct referrals for all individuals in need of services. All essential documents required for employment, healthcare, housing, essential needs, and medical/behavioral health support services will be emphasized and targeted.
• Phase 4 – Career Strategy, Development, and Placement Support: All individuals seeing gainful employment will be scheduled for a comprehensive career coaching evaluation and placement meeting within 5-10 days of release, and as workforce ready. JEVS Human Services will provide career development, preparedness, and placement support for any and all individuals needing career assistance. 

Contact Information:

Connect with Transformative Justice Initiative and Camden County NuEntry Opportunity Specialists (NOS): transformativeji@gmail.com, Ibrahim Sulaimani (856) 800-4825 or Antonne Henshaw (856) 209-0290.

Camden County Reentry Community Engagement Coordinator, Rosy Arroyo, rosy.arroyo@camdencounty.com.

Resources