[§353H-3]  Offender reentry system plan;
creation.  (a)  The department of public safety shall develop a
comprehensive and effective offender reentry system plan for adult offenders
exiting the prison system. 



(b)  The department of public safety shall develop
comprehensive reentry plans and curricula for individuals exiting correctional
facilities in order to reduce recidivism and increase a person's successful
reentry into the community.  The reentry plans shall include, but not be
limited to:



(1)  Adopting an operational philosophy that considers
that offender reentry begins on the day an offender enters the correctional
system.  Each offender entering the system shall be assessed to determine the
offender's needs in order to assist the individual offender with developing the
skills necessary to be successful in the community;



(2)  Providing appropriate programs, including, but
not limited to, education, substance abuse treatment, cognitive skills
development, vocational and employment training, and other programs that help
to meet the assessed needs of each individual;



(3)  Developing a comprehensive network of
transitional programs to address the needs of individuals exiting the
correctional system;



(4)  Ensuring that all reentry programs are gender-responsive;



(5)  Issuing requests for proposals from
community-based nonprofit programs with experience with offenders in the area
of reentry; and



(6)  Instituting model reentry programs for adult
offenders. [L Sp 2007, c 8, pt of §2]