Maine

In 2005, Maine released 2,183 offenders back into the community, an increase of 14% over the previous year. Nearly half return to Cumberland County, primarily to the city of Portland. Though Maine has the nation's lowest per capita rate of incarceration, the State's facilities are currently operating over-capacity. Recidivism is a key problem, with 81% of inmates having prior convictions.

Maine abolished parole in 1975. As a result, 35% of the adult prisoners are released without post-incarceration supervision. The number of probationers has increased significantly over the last 5 years.

Maine is committed to instituting evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for returning offenders. To that end the Maine Reentry Network, comprised of over 20 state agencies and community organizations, is dedicated to improving supports for those offenders returning to their communities from correctional facilities.

The key areas identified for improvement in Maine during the policy academy include the following:

• Working with the Maine Reentry Network to assess the current reentry system and identify major gaps and barriers;
• Developing a strategic focus on housing options for high risk offenders;
• Providing the services and supports for offenders, especially those returning to rural areas, by establishing clear agency roles and improving collaboration;
• Better coordinating the state reentry initiatives with county reentry efforts;
• Integrating appropriate information systems data across departments while still preserving individual privacy;
• Improving offenders' access to and ability to pay for treatment needs in both urban and rural areas;
• Identifying additional funding streams for housing, employment, treatment, and other needed services to insure that the systems of care collaborate fully and cost-effectively on delivery;
• Analyzing cost comparisons of enrolling transitioners in Maine Care for treatment funding vs. reincarceration costs; and
• Integrating research and evidence-based practices into the reentry initiatives in a sustainable manner.