Reentry Program
Reentry Services at Step-Up exist to improve the overall health and well-being of people impacted by the criminal-legal system.
This is achieved by creating individualized care plans with a focus on providing wrap-around supports for our clients. Case management may include employment services, treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, medical care navigation, and more based on the identified needs and goals of each person. Participants may also be eligible to receive material support for barriers such as transportation, housing, utilities, and other basic needs (food, clothing, etc.).
Services are provided out in the community, as well as inside 10 correctional facilities around the state of Indiana. Above all, Reentry Services focus on the dignity of each person, while promoting self-sufficiency and fostering resilience.
Case Management and Mental Health Services
For individuals impacted by the legal system, case management and mental health services may serve as a critical support in ensuring successful reentry. At Step-Up, all case management and mental health services are individualized and client driven, with a focus on wellness and sustainability. Services may include:
- Linkage to mental health/ substance use treatment
- Education
- Housing
- Employment
- Health Navigation
HepLink
Individuals with a history of incarceration are disproportionately impacted by Hepatitis C (HCV). HepLink is a linkage to cure program that provides testing, education, and linkage to cure services to assist these individuals from the point of diagnosis to completing the HCV treatment regimen. Services may include linkage to medical care, insurance support, case management, and barrier elimination with a focus on increasing a client’s ability to engage in their treatment plan. HepLink works in partnership with Connect to Cure and maintains a unique referral process with the Indiana Department of Correction.
No Entry
No Entry exists to prevent those at high risk of legal involvement from ever interacting with the criminal legal system. Specifically, No Entry partners with local schools to identify at-risk youth and young adults to participate in programming. These individuals receive the same comprehensive support as our adult clients, with a focus on addressing external factors that may lead participants into situations of crime or violence. Education, employment readiness, and mental resilience are key components of No Entry.
Peer Education Program
The Peer Education Program is made of up two components, INPEP and OutPEP.
INPEP (Indiana Peer Education Program)
INPEP is a peer health education program implemented in Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) through a partnership with the Indiana Department of Health and Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU-Indianapolis. INPEP leverages the peer model to provide critical health education, promote harm reduction, and prevent disease prevention. To date, nearly 300 individuals in IDOC have completed the 40-hr workshop in their correctional facility and have educated nearly 4000 of their peers experiencing incarceration. INPEP operates in 10 facilities around the state of Indiana.
OutPEP (Outside Peer Education Program)
OutPEP is the community adaptation of INPEP ECHO, providing the same critical health education in communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV, HCV, STIs, and more. Peer Educators are hired following their release to provide this education in their community. Current partners include Madison County Problem Solving Court, Horizon House, Voices Corp, Pando Aspen Grove, IU Health, RecycleForce, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to access Reentry Services with Step-Up, a person must:
- Identify as impacted by the criminal legal system
- Prepare to actively engage in care
