This empowering set of DVDs helps reduce recidivism and
takes offenders step-by-step through the transition from
incarceration to community integration. Candid
interviews with professionals and ex-offenders offer a
unique perspective on what offenders should expect to
face throughout their journey from incarceration back
into society.
Offenders learn what steps to take prior to their
release, what actions are essential to a smooth and
successful transition, how to prevent relapses, overcome
barriers, and more.
Countdown to Freedom is
available in two versions: one that speaks to male
offenders and one that speaks to female offenders.
Though they must overcome similar barriers, men and
women will face different challenges throughout their
transition. Customized for a specific audience, these
DVDs address the unique needs of male and female
viewers.
12 DVDs in the series
(6
DVDs for men and 6 DVDs for women)
Preparation for
Release: Part One
The first DVD in the series focuses on changing
the mindset of offenders. Professionals and former
offenders discuss strategies for creating change in
one's life, how to make those changes happen, and how to
surround oneself with people and events that breed
success.
Preparation for
Release: Part Two
Offenders learn how to create a proactive plan of action
for their reentry into society and access "Outside the
Walls" assistance. Professionals and former offenders
discuss the importance of pre-release planning and how
to do it.
Day of Release
For some offenders the day of release can be one of the
most terrifying events of the entire incarceration
period. This DVD discusses what offenders should expect
on the day of their release and the actions they can
take in their first 30 to 60 days after release to
increase their changes of making a successful transition
from incarceration to society. Former offenders offer
guidance on how to plan ahead, surround oneself with
positive people, and move toward community integration.
Release and
Beyond: Lifestyle Changes
It is imperative that offenders change in regard to
their patterns of behavior if they are truly interested
in being free. This DVD encourages offenders to evaluate
their behavior and the factors that influence it, and to
develop specific strategies to persevere in overcoming
barriers.
Release and
Beyond: Relapse Triggers
Upon their release, all offenders are subject to facing
relapse. This DVD helps offenders understand what
factors may trigger their relapse and how to avoid and
replace those triggers. Finally, viewers are introduced
to rationale self-counseling as a means of helping them
see circumstances clearly.
Release and
Beyond: Support Systems
Offenders learn how to develop support systems of people
who can hold them accountable for their actions and get
them off to a positive start. Successful offenders,
community leaders, and service providers discuss the
help available to offenders and techniques for
developing these support systems in communities where
they may not currently exist.
Individual DVDs are also availble separately.
