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The Offender Success Administration is housed within the MDOC’s Executive Office and has staff at each prison in the state. Staff members include educators, school staff, institutional parole agents, specialists and analysts that oversee various programs within the prisons and contracted services in the community, parole release staff, vital documents staff, and staff that focus on employment opportunities for individuals in the criminal justice system. The goal of this diverse group of professionals is to foster change and success for those in prison, as well as those on parole or probation.
Organizational Chart
Offender Success activities occur throughout the time that an individual is under the department’s jurisdiction but will differ based on the needs of the individual.
Major Areas of Focus:
Improving Programs and Services for Probationers – Through the annual Community Corrections process, local community corrections advisory boards can apply for state funding to support evidence-based programs and practices to increase the use of community supervision rather than incarceration while decreasing the number of probation failures. This unit also manages residential beds in communities throughout the state where probationers and parolees can be placed for programming or other supports to increase the likelihood of success while under supervision.
Offering Evidence-Based Programs – Research has demonstrated that one of the most effective ways to reduce future re-offense is by offering properly targeted, evidence-based cognitive programming to address individual risk. Staff within the MDOC develop and monitor these programs, while also ensuring that prisoners are properly placed in these programs based on their parole board jurisdiction date.
Providing a Variety of Educational Opportunities – Michigan has established itself as a national leader in correctional education. Whether it is the MDOC’s nationally recognized Vocational Villages, one of the most robust correctional vital document programs in the country, its status as the largest adult basic education provider in the state, or the increasing deployment of educational technology, the MDOC’s education efforts are consistently setting the bar. The reason for this is that research continually shows that one of the most effective ways to prevent future crime is to give individuals access to quality educational opportunities.
Handling the Technical Aspects of the Parole Release Process – This includes ensuring parole orders are properly entered and executed, as well as making sure that victims and prosecutors are aware of upcoming parole releases.
In-Reach – Serving as the bridge between incarceration and the community, In-Reach is utilized by the parole board to provide certain offenders with a more focused opportunity to plan for their reentry with the support of dedicated staff that can assist with their planning and connect them with community resources.
Providing Community Supports for Parolees – While the MDOC strives to prepare every offender to safely return to the community, some need additional supports, such as stable housing, basic supplies, or assistance finding or maintaining a job. The MDOC contracts with regional administrative agencies that provide this assistance and more to eligible parolees throughout the state.
Developing Mentoring Opportunities – Parolees and probationers need support from community members, including those who have previously been involved in the criminal justice system and can help them navigate this stage in their life to reach success. Connecting mentors and mentees is a new focus within Offender Success.
Focusing on Employment – The Offender Success Administration works to bring potential employers and talented candidates together with the goal of promoting employment and self-sufficiency. These efforts include educating employers on the benefits of hiring talented individuals who are justice-involved, as well as helping employers find individual candidates for positions within their organizations.
Updated: 04/22/22