Services Overview

Unlocking DOORS seeks to reduce recidivism rates among the clients served by the Unlocking DOORS unique service model, when compared to a similar cohort group of previously incarcerated people who have not utilized the Unlocking DOORS program upon their reentry into the community.

The goal of Unlocking DOORS is to achieve at least a 20% decrease in repeat crimes (recidivism) among clients, which translates to no more than 26% of clients re-offending (compared to the current recidivism rate of 32%) within a three-year period following release.  This is and will be accomplished by providing the following:

(1) *COMPREHENSIVE PRE/POST-RELEASE REENTRY BROKERAGE

For individuals 18 years of age or older with a criminal background (does not have to have an incarceration history; simply a criminal record) Reentry Brokerage consists of the following:

1. Comprehensive risk/needs assessment (four [4] separate assessment tools are used to determine the client’s risk for re-offending, specific needs, achieved training and work history, education level, eligible benefits, etc.):
2. Individualized Reentry Brokerage Plan compiled by the client’s Unlocking DOORS’ Client Broker from all information gained during the client’s assessment; the plan is “individualized” to the client’s specific needs;
3. Referrals to one or more of Unlocking DOORS’ Community Partners/Providers and other service providers/resources (the experts in specific services and resources) to assist the client in working through the specific items addressed in his/her Individualized    

* NOTE: Currently, Unlocking DOORS has Reentry Brokerage Centers (program offices) in the greater Dallas and Tarrant County areas, and provides comprehensive case management in these counties, as well as the contiguous counties of Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, Ellis, Johnson, Hood, Parker, and Wise.  Unlocking DOORS’ Comprehensive Pre/Post-Release Client Brokerage will expand throughout the State of Texas as additional offices are opened. Unlocking DOORS plans to establish Reentry Brokerage Centers in Bexar, Harris and Travis Counties by the end of 2016 by working with Partners/Providers for space allocation. This allows for a “One-Stop” atmosphere to be established for the clients while reserving much needed Unlocking DOORS’ resources.

(2) ANALYTIC REPORTING OF EVIDENCE-BASED DATA AND PREDICTIVE TRENDS:

(NEW AS OF JANUARY 1, 2015)

Reporting of Unlocking DOORS’ wealth of collected and compiled client data, formatted and analyzed so as to illustrate and note predictive trends in the criminal justice arena that will assist all stakeholders in determining smart and effective funding, policies and legislation.

(3) COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, EDUCATION AND SUPPORT:

For any and all stakeholders, including, but not limited to: the general public; community/state/federal partners/providers, agencies and organizations; other service providers and resources; criminal justice professionals (including those in corrections, social worker, law enforcement and attorneys); victims of crime; offender family members; etc. Includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Annual Texas Reentry Symposium
2.  Public Awareness Events – Examples: “Evening with Piper Kerman, Author of Orange is the New Black; shopping events (Chico’s; Soma; St. John Boutique; Denim & Soul)
3. Community Speaking Requests for any and all organizations interested in criminal justice and reentry
4. Unlocking DOORS’ Partner/Provider Meetings (held at least 3 times a year) to collaborate, network, train and determine best-practices and next steps in moving forward
5. Women’s Independence Network (WIN) Support Group for any and all females with criminal backgrounds — built on the AA/NA model, participants are able to experience a “peer assistance” atmosphere controlled by a licensed therapist
6. Unlocking DOORS Auxiliary — for $30 annually or a one-time payment of $300 (Lifetime Membership), members assist Unlocking DOORS with the Annual Texas Reentry Symposium, Public Awareness Events, securing monetary and in-kind donations from individuals, vendors, patrons and businesses.