CLIENT SERVICES
Founded in 2001, OAD’s Client Services Program is one of the first social work and re-entry programs of its kind in the country. This unique and innovative program supports OAD’s clients by providing on-site expertise and assistance. Crucial to its mission, the program also provides referrals in the areas of medical, mental health, substance abuse, housing, employment, public assistance benefits, and educational services. Specifically, the Client Services Program offers support in the following areas:
Conditions of Confinement Advocacy
Assisting and advocating for incarcerated clients who are mistreated by prison staff, denied necessary medical or mental health treatment, or experiencing other problems relating to incarceration.
Parole, Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) and Resentencing Advocacy
Assisting clients with parole hearings, SORA hearings and re-sentencings by helping to gather relevant documentation, securing letters of support and providing written mitigation and advocacy support.
Re-Entry Support
Connecting clients to the appropriate community-based resources necessary for successfully re-entry; and providing case management and supportive counseling for individuals coming home from prison.
The Client Services Program partners with community-based agencies throughout New York City to provide the best possible resources and support to OAD clients.
The Client Services Program also collaborates and liaises with other defender organizations to identify and address chronic and systemic issues related to the criminal justice system.
In all respects, the Client Services Program strives to recognize, honor, and address the unique strengths and traumas presented by individuals who have been incarcerated in New York State prisons and/or processed through the New York City criminal justice system.
For More Information About OAD's Client Services Program:
Resources:
If your family member/loved one is incarcerated in a New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYS DOCCS) Facility (upstate)
- NYS DOCCS Family Guide Handbook : http://www.doccs.ny.gov/FamilyGuide/FamilyHandbook.html
- If you are a parent, or your loved one is a parent, this guide by LIFT Justice for All explains how to protect your parental rights: http://www.liftonline.org/sites/default/files/lift_guide_topic_language/2112.pdf
If your family member is incarcerated at Rikers Island
- General resources and support can be found through the Jails Action Coalition (JAC): http://nycjac.org/
- Resources on visiting and maintaining contact with a loved one: http://bds.org/wp-content/uploads/2016-Rikers-Island-Visitor-Guide.pdf
If you or your family member is on parole or will be on parole
- NYS DOCCS Parole Handbook : http://www.doccs.ny.gov/Parole_Handbook.html
For tips on how to prepare for your parole hearing
- For tips on how to prepare for parole appearance, see: A Self-Help Guide To Parole Preparation In New York State.
- For general information on preparing for parole visit the Parole Prep Project: http://paroleprepny.org/
Re-entry and Transitional Services Guides by County
- NYS DOCCS provides tips for when a loved one is coming home: http://www.doccs.ny.gov/FamilyGuide/cominghomebrochure.html
- The Center for Appellate Litigation has created a resource for family members of and individuals returning home, find it here: https://www.appellate-litigation.org/siteFiles/files/Family%20Initiative%20Resource%20Guide(2).pdf
- Connections: A Guide for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals 2018 (New York City). New York Public Library, Correctional Library Services, 455 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016. Online at: www.nypl.org/help/community-outreach/correctional-services
- Making Moves: Handbook for Ex-Offenders Returning to the Rochester and Monroe County Area 2012. Extension Outreach Department, Monroe County Library System, 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604. Online at: http://bit.ly/2d5HAOt
- Connections: A Guide to Transitional Services in Erie County 2015 (English and Spanish). Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Institutional Services, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203. Online at: www.buffalolib.org/content/institutional-services
- The Pioneer Library System publishes two Community Connections directories: Ontario/Wayne Counties and Livingston/Wyoming Counties. Contact Outreach Services, Pioneer Library System, 2557 State Route 21, Canandaigua, NY 14424, specifying which county you are returning to. Online at: http://pls-net.org/services/outreach
- Hudson Valley Connections 2016 Edition for Columbia, Duchess, Greene, Putnam & Ulster Counties. Contact the Outreach Services Department, Mid-Hudson Library System, 103 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Online at: www.midhudson.org/hvconnections
- Coming Back to Ulster County 2007-2008. Restorative Justice Group of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road, Kintson, NY 12401. Online at: www.uucckingston.org/comingback.html
- On Your Own 2014-2015, Capital District. Center for Law and Justice, Pine West Plaza, Building 2, Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12205. Online at: www.cflj.org/resources-and-publications/resources
- Westchester Connections. Westchester Council on Crime and Delinquency, P.O. Box 3300, Mount Vernon, New York 10553 Online at: http://connections.westchesterlibraries.org