Description — Mapping Your Reentry Plan: Heading Home

COV-MAP REENTRY PLAN 2

About this intervention

This intervention is a collaborative, mapping-based intervention for helping clients identify goals for reentry and aftercare.

Sections in this intervention include:

  • Introduction: Mapping, Collaboration, and Reentry Goals introduces the basics of node-link mapping, the use of structured maps for reentry planning, and the use of feedback from a dynamic assessment of client progress to help guide planning. This approach highlights the importance of developing the counselor-client relationship through collaboration. A thoughtful reentry plan with realistic and measurable goals helps focus the working relationship on a more hopeful tomorrow. This chapter is designed as a primer for treatment staff on simple, yet effective strategies to strengthen motivation and engagement in reentry planning.
  • Session 1: Getting Started: First Maps sets the collaborative tone for subsequent sessions and introduces the client to working with guide maps. The counselor takes the lead in introducing the guide map template. This begins with a review of the Progress Report Feedback map and transitions to guide map discussions that center on the client’s experiences, both in the past and present. Clients are then invited to briefly discuss areas of concern and how they have been coping with their concerns. The session ends with an invitation for the client to consider what they hope to have different/better in their lives once they are released.
  • Session 2: Mapping Goals and Strategies helps clients begin to identify and prioritize salient goals to work on as part of reentry and to narrow those goals down to clear, specific, and practical plans. Clients first review their homework guide map to discuss strengths and resources they bring to the task. A Goal Planning map is used to begin exploration of goals and a subsequent map is used to invite a conversation about specific steps to take first. As homework, a “planning rocket” guide map is used to summarize considerations for working on the goal and provide the client with a reminder of tasks for the coming weeks.
  • Subsequent Sessions: Mapping Progress and Future Plans provides an outline for reviewing use of the planning rocket and transitioning to a discussion about attitudes about aftercare planning. The format outlined in these goal-focused mapping sessions can be used for future sessions with the client. A selection of additional maps for subsequent sessions is included that provide templates for reviewing progress toward goals, discussing successes, exploring set-backs, and engaging in further decision making. Helpful maps from previous sessions also can be used again with clients who may identify new goals and concerns.
  • Appendix: Mapping Bibliography
  • Appendix: Inmate Pre-Release Assessment (IPASS)

Recommended Citation: Bartholomew, N. G., Dansereau, D. F., Knight K., & Simpson, D. D. (2007). Mapping your reentry plan: Heading home. Fort Worth: Texas Christian University, Institute of Behavioral Research. Available: the IBR Web site: www.ibr.tcu.edu