The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) — As the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) celebrates Second Chance Month, the agency celebrates the continued success of its Intensive Reentry Program (IRP), also referred to as a Cognitive Community Program, which contributes to a significantly lower recidivism rate for inmates who complete the program.
Those in the IRP participate in the program during the last seven months of their state responsible (SR) incarceration. The program prepares inmates for a successful release by focusing on reentry and post-release services.
The IRP operates using a community model, built on accountability, peer support, and daily engagement with corrections team members. The program focuses on reentry preparation, including workforce readiness, connections to community resources, identification assistance, and Medicaid enrollment, all aimed at supporting a safe and productive reentry, strengthening public safety across Virginia. The IRP emphasizes cognitive restructuring, an evidence-based approach that helps participants change thinking patterns to influence behavior. Participants learn to recognize how their thoughts impact their decisions and actions, leading to changes that support a more productive and positive lifestyle.
The effectiveness of IRP is demonstrated in the data. Inmates released during fiscal year (FY) 2020, who spent time in a DOC facility had a success rate of 85.0%. IRP graduates had a success rate of 86.3%.
“The Intensive Reentry Program represents our commitment to breaking the cycle of incarceration,” said VADOC Director Joseph W. Walters. “By focusing on cognitive restructuring and comprehensive support, we are not only preparing individuals for successful reentry, but also strengthening public safety and well-being for communities across the Commonwealth.”
“Within that community, I learned so much about how to be a pro-social and responsible adult,” said VADOC Statewide Reentry Specialist Jamii Wood, who previously completed the IRP. “Through that, I became a mentor, and I started aiding others also in their transition. I’m so grateful that I went through the IRP, and now you’re looking at someone who has become a testimony for second chances.
Virginia has had the lowest or second-lowest recidivism rate in the nation for 12 consecutive years. VADOC’s reentry programs are supported by partnerships with employers, educational institutions, community service providers, and faith-based organizations locally and statewide, to help ensure continual care and access to essential resources upon release.
More information about the IRP can be found here. A testimonial video featuring Statewide Reentry Specialist Jamii Wood can be seen on VADOC’s YouTube channel.
