Our goal is to help reduce the trauma of incarceration for prisoners and their families, to provide information that can lead to positive changes, and to assist post-release clients with their re-entry into the community. In general, Friends Outside acts as a liaison with concerned individuals, agencies, and the criminal justice system.
Jail Visiting Services
All four local jail facilities are visited by volunteers, who provide one-on-one case management and pre release planning. Other resources available include:
• Property retrieval
• Acting as a liaison between attorneys, family and other agencies
• Providing confidential visits with a knowledgeable and supportive volunteer
• Providing information about numerous community resources including drug/alcohol programs
• Helping with emergencies caused by incarceration
• Begin establishing long-term goals that can be transferred to work in our Aftercare program
Post-Release Services
After release from jail or prison, a client, can meet with an Aftercare case manager. Case managers offer support, help facilitate post-release plans and provide a variety services. Family members or loved ones are also encouraged to attend an appointment.
We make every effort to provide the information needed in the first few days of release. Friends Outside is unable to offer financial assistance; however, we may be able to connect clients to the appropriate agencies and churches.
Case managers are extensively trained, and upon making an appointment a client can receive:
• Basic hygiene products, reading glasses, and snacks
• Information on various resources, voicemail, community programs, mental health and health-related services, education, counseling and shelters
• Clothing vouchers and some clothes
• Bus passes
• Assistance complying with probation to prevent unnecessary incarceration (WRAP)
• Information on local and statewide legal and criminal justice agencies
• Informal assistance with a job search
• Free copies of the Friends Outside Resource Guide
Clients are welcome to return and have more intensive case management(mentoring), which demonstrates increased responsibility for rehabilitation
W.R.A.P.
The Warrant Reduction Advocacy Project is a community-based alternative to incarceration. Since beginning in 2005, WRAP has averted more than 340 warrants and saved the County more than $700,000. It offers probationers an opportunity to receive support and assistance to comply with the terms of their probation in order to avoid incarceration. Probationers may receive additional comprehensive services including:
• Jail Visits
• Aftercare Case Management for three to six months
Family Services
Incarceration places the entire family at risk. Family Services supports the family through the initial trauma of incarceration and helps begin the process of rebuilding the family unit. Currently our Family services are offered as part of our post-release services. If a loved one is incarcerated in Santa Cruz County or in the California prison system, we can help with:
• Jail or prison visiting schedules and procedures
• Referrals to criminal justice agencies
• Locating family or friends in the California prison system
• Help understanding the legal system
• General questions about prison or jail
• Information about drug and alcohol treatment
R5
R5 supplies extensive reentry services in an effort to address criminogenic needs and reduce recidivism in Santa Cruz County. Friends Outside provides intensive one-on-one volunteer life coaching to clients who are eligible for the program to support them in accomplishing their goals. Clients must be in custody in Santa Cruz and an 18-25 year old male. Please contact for more info.
How you can help: Be apart of building a safer, stronger, family oriented community. Click here to Volunteer Today!
For more information contact
Danielle Obinger
831-427-5078
Santa Cruz Volunteer Center
1740 17th Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 831-427-5070
Watsonville Volunteer Center
12 Carr Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Phone: 831-722-6708
