LINCOLN – Several state agency representatives commended the newest graduates of the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program – a multi-agency initiative to enhance the successful reentry of inmates into society through essential programs and services.  Deputy Director of Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) Roberta Fews, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Sergio Estrada, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) LaToya Price-Childs, and IDES Veterans’ Services Program Manager Lane Knox attended today’s special ceremony for 18 veterans at the Logan Correctional Center.

 

The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program, operated by IDOC, IDVA and IDES, in collaboration with the United States Department of Labor – Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (USDOL-VETS), gives incarcerated former service members an opportunity to participate in a special program that is designed to ease the transition back into their communities and the workforce.  To date, more than 980 veterans have participated in the reentry program.  The program is another effort to fulfill Governor Rod R. Blagojevich’s commitment to enhance the successful reentry of inmates into society through essential programs and services.

 

“Reentry management is a major goal of Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Department of Corrections,” said IDOC Director Roger E. Walker, Jr.  “The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program continues to be a successful, cooperative effort that aims to support the reentry of incarcerated veterans into the community by identifying programs and services that will strengthen their transition.  Many incarcerated veterans along the way have faced a lot of problems, became lost and made some poor choices. This program is here to help them get an even footing, and even more so, become productive citizens.”

 

The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program was launched in February 2005 at the Taylorville and Dixon Correctional Centers.  Since then, the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program has expanded to seven additional correctional facilities across the state, including Sheridan, Vienna, Shawnee, Southwestern, East Moline, Logan and Danville.

 

“When Veterans are transitioning back into society, they deserve any assistance they may need so they can get back on their feet and improve their lives.  That means help finding a job, affordable housing, and access to medical care,” IDVA Assistant Director Estrada said.

 

“I congratulate today’s graduates on this important step and their success with this program.  The Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Services as one the most effective programs of its kind in the nation.  I am proud of what we have been able to help our veterans accomplish by working together and wish them the best in their future endeavors,” said IDES Director James P. Sledge.

 

About 18 months prior to release, incarcerated veterans are offered the opportunity to participate in the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program.  The program includes educational modules, employment workshops and counseling and linkage to other benefits and programs, such as health services, and obtaining I.D. cards.  A recent analysis at IDOC shows that some 3,100 inmates self reported being veterans.  That number will fluctuate with the ongoing admissions and exits of inmates.