Maine Department of Corrections

11/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2024 13:40

Maine Department of Corrections Takes Home Excellence in Facilities Award at the Data-Driven Corrections Awards

November 7, 2024

Augusta, ME - The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) has been recognized for its outstanding achievements in promoting successful reentry for residents. MDOC was honored with the Excellence in Facilities Award from Recidiviz, a nonprofit that partners with corrections agencies to use technology and real-time data to improve corrections and reentry outcomes.

The Excellence in Facilities Award celebrates the partner state that has made the most significant strides in preparing residents for successful reentry into the community. Maine achieved the highest percentage of residents progressing towards reentry milestones, demonstrating a commitment to providing effective programming and support within its facilities.

Maine has been a pioneer in implementing the Recidiviz Facilities Assistant, bringing data-driven tools to case managers within its correctional facilities. This innovative approach has streamlined processes, reduced paperwork, and allowed staff to focus more time and energy on providing individualized support to residents.

Additionally, Maine was the first state to roll out a new Recidiviz product that gives residents access to personalized information about their eligibility for transition programs, further empowering them to take ownership of their reentry process.

"We're immensely proud of the work being done in our facilities to support residents in their transition back to the community," said MDOC Commissioner Randall Liberty. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff and our commitment to creating a system that prioritizes rehabilitation and successful reintegration."

MDOC's success is rooted in a data-driven approach that prioritizes individualized support and evidence-based practices. By leveraging Recidiviz's tools and insights, MDOC staff are able to identify and address potential barriers to reentry, connect residents with appropriate resources, and track progress toward key milestones.

"Maine's commitment to empowering people in prison and fostering a culture of rehabilitation within its facilities is commendable," said Clementine Jacoby, CEO of Recidiviz. "Their achievements in promoting successful reentry serve as an inspiration for other states."

About the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC):

The MDOC is responsible for the direction and general administrative supervision, guidance and planning of the State of Maine's adult and juvenile correctional facilities and programs and the statewide Adult and Juvenile Community Corrections offices. Adult correctional facilities include Bolduc Correctional Facility, Downeast Correctional Facility, Maine Correctional Center, Maine State Prison, Mountain View Correctional Facility, and Southern Maine Women's Re-Entry Center, and Long Creek Youth Development Center for juveniles. Learn more at www.maine.gov/corrections.

About Recidiviz:

Recidiviz is a technology non-profit that spun out from Google and now partners with corrections agencies across the country to drive change at scale. Our team of product designers, engineers, and data scientists builds intelligent assistants for corrections staff at every stage of the system, including a Sentencing Assistant, Facilities Assistant, and Supervision Assistant. These tools provide real-time, actionable insights into caseloads and automate key tasks, fostering a proactive approach to reentry that results in better outcomes for individuals and communities alike. For additional information about Recidiviz, check out CEO Clementine Jacoby's TED Talk, a recent piece in Governing, and recidiviz.org.