[Delivered to IDOC residents over JPay Mar. 10, 2025.]
Memorandum
DATE: March 10, 2025
TO: Resident Population
FROM: Reentry Services
RE: Transitional Funding
Over the past few months, IDOC Reentry Services has implemented changes to the decision-making process for approving transitional funding. We would like to inform you of the updates and give some encouragement on how you can set yourself up for a smooth reentry.
Due to the need to cut back on spending to stay within our TTF budget, we will ONLY fund residents/clients for 30 days starting March 1st, 2025 — June 30, 2025. This means that if a client has received TTF in the last 12 months, they will NOT be eligible for any further funding.
Purpose of Transitional Funding
The primary purpose of transitional funding is to support residents who are genuinely in need of financial assistance for their reentry into the community. It is essential to note that transitional funding will only be allocated to individuals who meet the following criteria.
Funding Criteria
To be eligible for transitional funding, the following criteria needs to be met:
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- Riders & Parole Violators: Must not have more than $300 credited/deposited into their resident bank account in the last 6 months of incarceration.
- Termers: Must not have more than $700 credited/deposited into their resident bank account in the last 12 months of incarceration.
- Pocket Money: If awarded funding, the maximum amount of pocket money a resident can leave with is $100.
- Contribution Requirement: Residents who exceed the credit/deposit limits or have more than $100 in their account must contribute towards their transitional funding. We do not have to fund clients that are over the funding criteria.
Saving Towards Reentry
Proactively planning and preparing for your reentry into the community from the very beginning gives you your best chance at success. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this:
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- #Savings Support#: Encourage your loved ones and friends to save money to support your housing and other reentry needs.
- Utilize Resident Savings Account: Submit a withdrawal slip to transfer funds from your trust account into your Savings account.
- Regular Savings: Allocate a small percentage of each credit/deposit received into your trust account into your savings account.
- Employment Earnings: If you participate in Correctional Industries, Work Camp, or have a job while at a Community Reentry Center, save a significant portion of your earnings to ensure financial stability upon your release.
- Plan B: Always have a backup plan in case your primary plan falls through. Saving for Plan B ensures you have financial security even if your initial arrangements do not materialize.
Resident Account Monitoring
Reentry Services is actively monitoring the accounts of all residents who exceeded the funding criteria and were awarded transitional funding on the condition of contributing towards their housing or other reentry needs. If additional deposits are made into your account or funds are withdrawn to be sent to someone in the community after receiving funding, your approved funding may be revoked, or you may be required to contribute more. Saving towards your reentry is the best solution. If you are unable to save enough for your housing or other reentry needs, IDOC, at its discretion, may provide financial assistance to cover the remaining amount you require.
Housing Myths
Funding: We want to remind everyone that the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) does not provide gate money or any type of funds upon release from prison. Its important to plan and save money while you’re incarcerated. If you choose not to save or have spent all the money in your account (from working, family support, etc.), and this exceeds our criteria, we won’t be able to provide financial assistance for your reentry. Remember, even saving a small amount from each paycheck can make a significant difference when it’s time for your release. Reentry is a mindset, and it starts at RDU. Planning and preparing for your future now will put you in a better position for your return to the community.
Transitional Houses: Going to a transitional house is not a quicker way to get released versus going to a residence. There are multiple steps in going to a transitional house that include: completing a housing application, getting accepted by the house, getting approval from P&P, waiting for a bed to open, making payment, and then a release date can be requested. Bed availability is getting tougher to juggle for our transitional housing providers as less people are moving out and housing costs continue to rise across Idaho. I would encourage you to have discussions with your support network regarding a successful reentry.
Interstate Compacts (ISC): applications are NOT easier or quicker, upon release, for those that are incarcerated. All ISC applications are treated the same by the Interstate Compact Office.
General information:
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- Interstate Compacts can be started and submitted 120 days before an ACTUAL release date. This is an ISC office requirement and regulation regarding the timeline.
- Once submitted, the receiving state has up to 45 days to review the ISC application.
- Two ideal qualifying criteria when submitting an ISC:
- A resident of the receiving state for 1 full year prior to incarceration and it can be validated OR
- Means of support in the state you will be residing. This requires a support system that includes immediate family that live in the area you are releasing to. They must be willing to support you in your reentry.
- The cost of living, when released, can make it more difficult to save for the ISC fee ($100) and Parole Commission bond ($500).
- Fee — required prior to submitting the application; nonrefundable
- Bond — required prior to being able to move or be released to the ISC state (if a termer or parole violator); a portion of the bond can be refunded after successful completion of supervision
Being able to reside with a positive support person has always been a better release plan and increases success. Please do not pursue a transitional house knowing you have someone you can live with that supports your reentry. This takes away from those that need a transitional house, is extra work for everyone involved, and can slow down your release process.
We are committed to supporting your successful reentry into the community. Thank you.