News - 2008
Dr. Fretz and Dr. Mims Testify at NJ Reentry Hearings
West Caldwell, NJ, Nov 25, 2008 - Dr. Ralph Fretz, Director of Assessment and Research, and Dr. Angela Mims, Administrator of Women's Program and Services, testified at the 'Counting the Costs Hearings' sponsored by New Jersey State Assembly Majority Leader Bonnie Watson Coleman. The first of three hearings, nearly 100 ex-offenders, experts, academics, and local service providers provided testimony on ways to end the cycles of recidivism and effectively reenter offenders back into New Jersey's communities.
"CEC is by far the largest provider of education and reentry treatment services to incarcerated individuals in New Jersey. Our extensive experience over the past dozen plus years has taught us many lessons but none more important that this - treatment and education tied to family involvement and community linkages dramatically reduces recidivism," testified Dr. Fretz.
Dr. Mims described the recent CEC female research study done in coordination with Drexel University which found recidivism rates for female offenders who participated in a CEC New Jersey-based reentry treatment program were reduced by 50%.
"As Governor Jon Corzine's report on reentry pointed out, 72% of females released from prison reported having a drug addiction or other substance abuse disorder. Female offenders need a more comprehensive program assessment and intensive treatment programs which, in turn, are linked to community corrections programs such as work release, mental health programs, day reporting centers," added Dr. Mims.
CEC alumni will testify at subsequent hearings in Newark and Trenton to shared their stories of successful reentry.
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