2015 Oklahoma Statutes
Title 57. Prisons and Reformatories
§57-510.8b. Pilot diversion program.

A. The Oklahoma Legislature, recognizing the need for increased community diversion programs and reentry services for nonviolent offenders and inmates who are also the primary caregiver to minor children, hereby authorizes the Department of Corrections to establish pilot programs that shall consist of private donations and state funds. The purpose of the pilot programs shall be to provide diversion programs to reduce the high rate of incarceration for nonviolent offenders who are also the primary caregiver of minor children and to provide reentry services for inmates with minor children that both employ evidence-based practices and techniques.

B. The pilot diversion program may consist of, but shall not be limited to, the following:

1. Identify the population of nonviolent offenders that are also the primary caregiver of minor children who have been charged with a criminal offense and are at risk of being incarcerated for such offense; and

2. Develop a community-based diversion program that provides comprehensive and gender-specific services to offenders who are also the primary caregiver of minor children.

C. The pilot reentry program may consist of, but shall not be limited to, the following:

1. Identify the population of nonviolent inmates that have been sentenced to a term of incarceration under the custody of the Department of Corrections who, prior to incarceration, were the primary caregiver of minor children;

2. Develop a comprehensive, gender-specific reentry plan for inmates who upon release from custody will be the primary caregiver of minor children;

3. Modify existing reentry programs and services to better address the needs of inmates who upon release from custody will be the primary caregiver of minor children;

4. Develop new reentry programs and services that focus on parenting and life skills, family supports and employment skills;

5. Develop or modify existing substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs offered to inmates who upon release from custody of the Department of Corrections will be the primary caregiver of minor children; and

6. Develop partnerships within communities to assist in providing support services and employment opportunities to inmates who will be the primary caregiver of minor children after the inmate has been discharged from the custody of the Department of Corrections.

D. The Department of Corrections shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2010, c. 320, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.