The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) has completed the first year of operation at its Woodland-based program for probationers and parolees. SCOE's Yolo County Day Reporting Center (DRC) has proven to be a cost-effective approach to managing offenders and is successfully aiding clients in making successful transitions back into their communities.
On May 13, the achievements of more than 60 of the DRC clients were celebrated at a spring graduation where the theme was "On Solid Ground."
"Partnership is the key to our first year of success," said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon. "The innovative and forward-thinking leadership team in Yolo County is playing an integral role in the achievements of the DRC."
The DRC is a collaborative effort between SCOE, the Yolo County Sheriff's Department, the Yolo County Probation Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in response to AB109 realignment. It is one of the first "hybrid" models in the state that serves county probationers, those released and participating in electronic monitoring, and state parolees.
"The DRC has been in operation for less than two years. We anticipate it will be several years before we begin to see a true impact in the reduction of recidivism. All in all, they're doing a great job in these early stages and we look forward to long-term results," said Yolo County Sheriff Ed Prieto.
The goal of the DRC is to reduce recidivism through effective community integration by addressing the causes of re-offending behavior, thereby strengthening individuals and families, and improving public safety as a whole. The program provides high-quality, evidence-based and effective services to clients.
"The services provided by the DRC help support Yolo County's goal of holding offenders accountable while also creating opportunities for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into our communities," said Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig. "We are committed to working together to keep Yolo County safe."
Yolo County DRC First-Year Highlights
- The cost to serve 334 county-level clients at the DRC was equal to the cost of incarcerating 14.5 individuals for one year in the Yolo County jail.
- 382 clients were enrolled in the program in the first year of operation with 63 clients completing all requirements for graduation.
- The average time it took for clients to complete the program was 162 days or 5.4 months.
- The overall recidivism rate for the DRC program is 9.5%, with 0% for those who successfully completed the program. The return to custody rate while active was 8.3%.
- The DRC has a fully functioning in-custody and out-of-custody program in which clients have performed over 100 hours of community service.
"In its first year of operation, the DRC has established a solid foundation in Yolo County. Lives are being changed and the DRC is leading reentry efforts in the county. I look forward to furthering our partnership in the coming years," said Yolo County Public Defender Tracie Olson.
"I have observed several Day Reporting Centers (DRC) throughout the State of California. All DRC's address the basic needs of our clients, however, what sets the Yolo County DRC apart from the others is the staff. Staff can relate to their needs, then develop the care and trust with our clients, assisting them in changing their behaviors," said Yolo County Probation Chief Brent Cardall.
The outcomes following the first year of operation reveal the potential for the DRC to serve a relatively large number of clients while at the same time decreasing violations of supervision, as well as renewed criminal activity.