National Institute of Corrections January 23, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Helping offenders make a successful transition from prison back into the community has been the focus of much interest in recent years. In 2001, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) launched its Transition From Prison to the Community (TPC) initiative to bring the best of practical thinking and research knowledge to this issue. The goal was to articulate a comprehensive and strategic approach to transition that incorporates the lessons of evidence-based practice, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, and provides a practical tool for use by corrections agencies and their governmental and community partners. The TPC model was developed and NIC is now bringing to conclusion extensive implementation assistance to a first set of eight states. The TPC Reentry Handbook (see ``Background'') provides a thorough record of that initiative and what has been learned so far. Building specifically on NIC's efforts to date, this cooperative agreement award will deliver TPC technical assistance to a new set of approximately six states and the provider, in conjunction with NIC, and will continue to advance the model and develop products that can assist non-participating jurisdictions who have an interest in TPC implementation. Since a system change initiative of this scale and scope is complex and time consuming it is expected that new states will require TPC assistance for three years. This initial 12-month phase is expected to be followed by 12 month funding from each of the next two fiscal years for a full 36-month project duration. However, year's two and three funding is subject to satisfactory performance by the provider and availability of funds for NIC to make subsequent TPC continuation awards. Therefore, applications will be reviewed specifically for the ``Year One'' proposal and work plan, as well as vision and demonstrated competence to complete necessary subsequent year tasks like document development and electronic dissemination of information to non- participating jurisdictions.