Program Screening & Intake

The Budding Process is an undeveloped stage and the beginning of new growth.

During this stage, a potential participant will go through an approval process to determine if they meet TAC program requirements. We will first do a telephone screening followed by a face-to-face interview. During this stage we will review our program outline, and policies and procedures. Participants will sign a 2-year agreement and confidentiality statement before starting the program.

Assessment

To assess a person’s suitability to participate, criteria will be considered such as:

  • The history and characteristics of the offender
  • The nature and circumstances of the offense(s)
  • Any statement from the court that imposed the sentence
  • Any pertinent policy statement issued by the U.S. Sentencing Commission
  • Review of disciplinary records, which must be exemplary
  • Present status of the potential participant (employed or unemployed, in school, etc.)
  • Drug or alcohol dependency (medical records required)

Referrals

TAC will collaborate with various federal, state, county, city, community agencies and private referral groups to maintain a repository for participants in the 2-year empowerment program.

Housing - Food - Clothing

Based on need, participants will be given referrals to help establish a safe housing environment, to obtain food, and to obtain suitable clothing for work.

Education - Legal Support

Educational opportunities will be shared with the participant along with assistance in completing application to a school or educational program as well as for scholarships or grants.
If required, the participant will be referred to Legal Aid or to a pro bono attorney able to help them with legal issues that may remain.

Healthcare - Transportation - DHHS

TAC will provide referrals to medical professionals and agencies that provide free or low-cost care.
TAC will assist a participant in completing application for transportation passes to get to and from their job and offer referrals to organizations or agencies that specialize in providing transportation to medical appointments, community centers, and schools.
TAC will assist a participant in completing any paperwork for social services provided by the state and local agencies.

Employment - Job Training

TAC will collaborate with temporary employment agencies to match participants with available temporary and temporary-to-hire positions. TAC will identify and collaborate with businesses and organizations that hire individuals with past felony convictions.
In addition to help with finding employment, TAC will assess the participant’s job-readiness that will include a skills test, career assessment or aptitude test to gain insight and/or suggest fields that the participant may enjoy and find rewarding in the long term.
TAC will partner with corporations, businesses, colleges and trade schools that offer job training. Our priority is to find free training or grants and scholarships that will cover the cost of training.

Personal Development

An essential part of the Budding Process is to draw up a plan for Personal Development.

Curriculum & Counseling

  • Explain the resources that will be used in the Curriculum and what is expected of the participant to complete the work.
  • TAC staff will refer participants to professional counselors to begin the process of healing from within.
  • Participants will be referred to faith-based programs vital to reaching goals of fruitfulness.

Family Engagement

  • TAC staff will assess the strengths and needs of a participant’s children and families.
  • Case planning will be set up to include the family unit.
  • TAC staff will explain the importance of group decision-making and how to carry out the family plan.