The Bridges program offered a multi-phase program focused on four main service areas: academic enrichment, socio-emotional learning (SEL), workforce readiness training, and mentorship and case management services. Participants began the program by attending a group orientation session and taking the Test of Adult Basic Education and an online financial training. Following the financial training, participants began the first of three phases of Bridges services.

Through this program, people who were incarcerated were released early, transferred to a residential facility, and required to find employment. If participants had difficulty finding work, the program referred them to community resources that helped develop job-search skills. The average participant took part in work release for slightly more than four months. This program served people who were incarcerated and who were assessed for low recidivism risk, had served at least half of their prison sentence, and were within eight months of their release date.

Before release, participants who were incarcerated received 16 hours of job search training and additional job search assistance from job training and job development specialists. In the week before release, participants were assigned a retention specialist and received a portfolio with a resume, an EMPLOY program certification, job leads, and additional supports such as bus fare and clothing for interviews. Retention specialists conducted 4 follow-up meetings with participants over the 12-month period after their release.

The SCA Adult Demonstration Program provided a range of reentry services to adults who were recently incarcerated. Although the provision of services varied by location, all participants received individualized case management. Employment services were offered in all but one program location and included job-search and placement assistance; mentoring; and training that developed résumé writing, interviewing, and soft skills.

Thresholds IPS involved an integrated treatment approach in which an employment specialist worked with a team of clinicians and support staff to combine treatment of clients’ underlying mental and physical health issues with employment services. The employment specialist created individualized job searches with clients that reflected their employment preferences and conducted an initial vocational assessment to guide an accelerated job search process.