The Houston Health Department (HHD) requests City Council approval of an ordinance authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for reentry services to offenders being released from TDCJ who are returning to the Houston area. The total amount of this contract is expected not to exceed $1,000,000.00 for the period of May 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017.
HHD also requests City Council to authorize the Mayor to execute any supplementary agreement and authorize the Director or his designee to act as the City’s representative with the authority to accept and expend all supplemental awards, if any.
Under this agreement the City will develop and operate a pilot program for reentry services for newly released inmates returning to the City after release from a term of incarceration in a TDCJ prison or state jail facility. The City, as part of the program operating through HHD, will coordinate with non-profit entities, faith based organizations, community groups and the private sector to provide reentry services which will result in a reduction in the recidivism rate. Evidence based practices will be included in the development of the program.