Rockford prisoner reentry program very similar to former one that failed

ROCKFORD - Rockford's push to instill a new prisoner reentry program will likely come down to dollars and cents, as well as the much needed follow through.

A strikingly similar prisoner reentry program, known as the Parole Reentry Forum was used in 2008 and 2009, but was called off because officials couldn't statistically show that it was having a positive impact on the community.

The latest prisoner reentry program is based off a successful one in Racine, WI.  Since the program began there, recidivism and violent crimes have both dropped.

A trend Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato says he wants to see here.

"Since I became state's attorney," said Bruscato, "what I'm not seeing is a reduction [in recidivism.]"

The Stateline area did have a similar program just a few years ago, the Parole Reentry Forum.

Police agencies, the US Attorney's Office, and many local service providers were present at parole forums that sought to stop criminals from reoffending, but it didn't work.

"Sometimes without a little bit of impotence and push, individuals are unwilling to walk through those doors of opportunities," said Bruscato.

That's exactly what the program needed.  There was no one making sure parolees took advantage of the services.

"That is the element that was missing," said Steve Haight, who worked for Career Ect., an agency that partner in the program.  "That would have made a program like that successful."

Haight says almost every parole would sign up for appointments with service provides and then not show up.  He fears there isn't the manpower to ensure parolees follow through this time.

"No one of the agencies, including the government agencies there, have the resources to do that," said Haight.

Currently no prisoner reentry program exists in Rockford, and Bruscato thinks the lack of coordinated resources makes it harder for criminals to not commit crimes once paroled.

"Their ability to avoid falling into that pitfall is restricted," said Bruscato.  

Even though the idea has new energy, brought on by leaders in Rockford, it lacks a permanent funding source.

"Everybody is spread so thin, and have reduced their staff down so far, to take on something like that unless the funding is there to do it, it isn't going to happen," said Haight.

Federal, State and local agencies WTVO/WQRF spoke with say they're all willing to support a new program.