To smooth the path for offenders in transition from incarceration back to their home communities, the Oregon Department of Corrections has created the new Oregon Reentry Wiki, a website with information and support.
The Department says it's partnering with local community corrections agencies to post information there as a "one-stop-shop" website.
The Oregon Reentry Wiki is at: http://oregonreentry.wikidot.com/ .
Modeled after Wikipedia, the Reentry Wiki allows contributors from all over the world to voluntarily add, modify and monitor the accuracy of content on thousands of topics.
Not only will DOC add and modify its own content, other service providers and counties will maintain their own sections on the site.
Officials say they hope the resource will allow offenders and their families access to information about services and programs provided by the state, as well as tips on local employment, housing and treatment options available to offenders upon release.
The idea of the wiki was developed through the Governor's Reentry Council, as a means to improve offenders' ability to reintegrate into society and reduce the recidivism rate in Oregon's prison system.