Supervised Release: Bail Alternative Program Proves Early Success for Clients and Community

BCS's Supervised Release team: John Megaw, Latoya White, Elizabeth Swan-Taylor, Tracee Paige, Rosa Aguirre, Anibal Cortes and Mabel Jerez (not pictured: Shaina Adjei and Doreen Gonzalez)

Mayor De Blasio's citywide focus on bail alternative programming has allowed Bronx Community Solutions to expand its court presence through a new initiative called Supervised Release.  Designed to reduce dependence on unnecessary jail time and monetary bail, Supervised Release allows lower-risk defendants to remain in their communities, jobs and families while awaiting trial.  In addition to their court-required check-ins, all defendants in the program receive a thorough needs-assessment from BCS social workers and are referred to needed services such as vocational programs, housing or substance abuse treatment.

Early Success
David* was mandated to BCS's supervised release program through a charge for criminal possession of a controlled substance.  During his initial intake, the 28-year old male revealed that he was unemployed and was expecting his first child.  With a baby on the way and no employment prospects, David wanted to focus on creating a resume and finding a job.  BCS Director of Special Initiatives, John Megaw, referred him to Employment Works, a longtime BCS partner who assists individuals with criminal histories in finding employment.  Though David was mandated under "level 1" supervision requiring once per month contact, he chose to meet with John weekly to receive additional support and work toward his goals.  David was also without medical insurance and was able to meet with a Blue Cross Blue Shield representative at BCS's office to enroll in Medicaid.  Within a month of his initial intake with Supervised Release, David proudly reported that he had created his first resume and started full time work at a retail store in his neighborhood with the help of Employment Works.

David is just one of the 90 clients already assigned to Supervised Release and an early indication that bail alternatives can be a win for both individuals and the public. 

*name has been changed

To learn more about the citywide rollout of Supervised Release, visit http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/336-16/mayor-de-blasio-citywide-rollout-17-8-million-bail-alternative-program