BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL
Riverside – For many repeat offenders who have spent much of their life in and out of the “system”, the Day Reporting Center (DRC) in Riverside is a breath of fresh air. With the implementation of AB109, many people who would be “parolees” are now the property of the Riverside Probation Department. This change is a positive step for many as they feel that the Probation Department offers more accountability and gives them more tools to succeed.
The DRC opened its doors in October 2012 as a “one stop shop” with multiple agencies under one roof to help with the AB109 Realignment. The DRC is comprised of Riverside County agencies and community partners working together to support the goals of those on probation and to help them toward integration back into the community.
According to Chief Mark Hake, Chief of Probation, “Many of our clients come out of prison without even having the basics like a GED, a license, or a Social Security card. The DRC provides an environment where obstacles and barriers are removed and together they derive a plan of accountability in order to help them succeed.” Providing these services helps give the clients hope and the basics needs to start the job search process. The center also offers mandatory counseling classes in parenting, anger management, basic computer education, and substance abuse education, to name a few.
Courtney Johnson, Senior Deputy Probation Officer, believes that one of the reasons that their center has been so successful is because they try to build up self-esteem and help clients find success. “We have them come in and interact with us and give them the tools to at least stay clean, stay hopeful and stay on track. We want them to be the father, son, grandpa or husband that they are meant to be.” And, it’s working. Calvin Smith, who is currently on probation and reports to the DRC, finds the goal setting to be the most helpful. “They help me set little goals which lead to bigger goals. You really have to crawl before you walk, but the goals teach you patience.” Kurt Gomer also finds the goal setting helpful. He said, “You make goals happen because I’m learning how to walk up the ladder slowly to get the top.”
In addition to helping get their client’s get back on their feet, the DRC also offers family counseling. For clients like Brian Frederick, who has been in and out of the system for 20 years, this has been the biggest blessing. “My family participates with me and the classes help me to relate better with my family and for us to get back on our feet and focus on being a real family.” The parenting classes are crucial since so much of their success is dependent on social activity and family ties. Chris Duffy, the Peer Support Specialist, feels that “Building these strong family ties and having a good, solid support system helps our clients be more successful.” The parenting classes are offered to the client and other family members, and offers a holistic approach to the healing of the entire family by also including addiction services, accountability and structure. “The hope is that all these elements will increase accountability and structure to avoid going back to their old ways,” says Duffy.
The DRC is the first center of its kind and was started in Riverside since the region has the greatest realignment population. The goal was to create a cost effective place where all the services could be handled under one roof. The goal is to open up more Day Reporting Centers in the eastern end of the county and one in the desert area. The main problem is that no one wants one of these centers in their community. Transportation issues are also a common problem. But for clients of the center and those that work so hard to make it successful, the need is there. At least three or four more centers are needed throughout the county so others can also experience the hope and success that they have seen here.
