Reentry Resources for Returning Citizens, their families, and loved ones: Home

This LibGuide contains information for individuals formally incarcerated or detained in county, state, or federal institutions, and are returning to or living in the state of Massachusetts.

For information pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic, please view and read the Boston Public Library's blog post, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources.

Reentry Mythbusters

Reentry MythBusters
Reentry MythBusters are fact sheets created by the National Reentry Resource Center and are designed to clarify existing federal policies that affect formerly incarcerated individuals and their families in areas such as public housing, employment, parental rights, Medicaid suspension/termination, voting rights and more.

Guide Disclaimer

This LibGuide has been compiled by librarians and library staff at the Boston Public Library from community partners and online sources. Links are verified and fact-checked on a semi-annual basis, however, they may change at any time. Please contact the organizations you are interested in directly to verify that they are the right fit for you or your loved one.

Are we missing something? We welcome your feedback! Reach out at ask@bpl.org.

Welcome

This LibGuide contains information for individuals formally incarcerated or detained in county, state, or federal institutions, and are returning to or living in the state of Massachusetts. It is designed for adults transitioning back into their communities, their loved ones, and support networks seeking out state and local resources to assist with transitional and re-entry needs. This guide is not meant to provide expert, legal, or medical advice. Its intention is to provide the public with an informational resource that connects individuals to housing and employment agencies, educational service providers, social service providers, health and wellness centers, legal service and counseling organizations, helpful books, handouts, and more.

How to use this guide:

The tabs at the top of the page will allow you to navigate through the guide. This guide is also an educational resource and reference guide for librarians, library staff, and folks who want to help their patrons and fellow staff start to look at these resources.

Helplines & Agencies

Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens

22 Drydock Avenue
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 635-5333

This Office provides services to Boston residents who have recently returned from jails or prisons, providing case management, housing and employment search assistance, state ID assistance, clothing referrals, etc.

Website: https://www.boston.gov/departments/returning-citizens

The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Hotline

(800) 327-505
Monday-Friday: 8am-10pm
Weekends: 8am-6pm

The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Our caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options.

Aid to Incarcerated Mothers (AIM)

434 Mass Ave, Suite 503
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 536-0058

AIM provides services to incarcerated mothers and their children, as well as women who have had trouble with the law in the past and are trying to improve their lives upon re-entry into the community. For women in transition, the RENEW program offers medical assistance, resource development (housing, education, jobs), parental assessment, and 1-on-1 counseling. The CHARM (Comprehensive Health to At-Risk Mothers) program works with women on issues of self esteem and domestic violence, and helps them reach back to the community. AIM also runs a support group for women who have returned to the community, working on habits that will keep them clean and legal. Referrals for services such as detox programs, shelters and sober houses are also available

Community Resources for Justice

355 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-2520

CRJ helps clients transition from prison to independent community life, delivering services at a number of residential facilities and day services to help ex-offenders develop the skills necessary to avoid further conflict with the law. Programs include education, counseling, and assistance with employment and housing, and substance abuse treatment. They operate residential pre-release centers serving individuals leaving Suffolk County House of Correction, Department of Youth Services (DYS) custody, and federal facilities. The criminal justice system or a case manager should refer prisoners interested in these services. The Crime & Justice Institute of CRJ publishes the Coming Home Directory, a Resource Directory of Offender Reentry Services in Greater Boston.

Department of Neighborhood Development

26 Court St
8th, 9th, and 11th Floors
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-3880

Works with communities to create stable and affordable housing options, support tenants, foster homeownership, end homelessness, and manage the City’s real estate.

Last Updated: Nov 7, 2023 4:05 PM
URL: https://guides.bpl.org/reentry
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Subjects: Careers, Community Resources, Government Information, Law

Tags: career, CORI, family, homeless, prison, prisoner, reentry