Returning to your community from incarceration can be overwhelming. There are many challenges you will face during this transitional time, including finding safe and stable housing, securing employment, addressing health problems, and making sure you have the community support you need. This is a guide to the many resources throughout San Diego County that can help you address the challenges of re-entry. It includes general information about things like planning for your release and maintaining your health, as well as lists of specific programs such as residential treatment programs and community health clinics.

Where to Start

Here, you will find a list of important questions followed by a transition plan for you to fill out according to your identified needs. You should be able to fill out both as you look through this guide. Use these tools to start thinking about the kinds of resources that will best meet your needs, as well as how you can prioritize your search based on what will be most important/immediate upon your release.

What to Keep in Mind

When trying to find the resources that are right for you, it is important to be patient and be polite. Many times the result of one letter, phone call or visit may just be a new number to try, but keep in mind that each resource you contact is a positive step towards your success. Patience and politeness will open doors for you as you plan your transition (be patient and polite with yourself too!), contact resources, and follow up with community organizations to make sure your transition is as organized and seamless as possible.

Where to Get More Information

Public libraries are an important and often overlooked resource available in almost every community. Modern libraries generally offer free internet access and use of a few computers to the public.

When trying to find the resources that are right for you, it is important to be patient and be polite. Many times the result of one letter, phone call, or visit may just be a new number to try, but keep in mind that each resource you contact is a positive step towards your success.

Post Incarceration Re-entry
Resource Guide 

When individuals are released from a local jail or state prison, they are faced with the task of finding resources with limited guidance and immediate needs. Many of these men and women re-entering our community from incarceration struggle with substance abuse, mental and physical health issues, unstable housing situations, legal problems, and social stigma that can make it even more difficult to find stability.

We are fortunate in San Diego County to have resources available to help and support formerly incarcerated individuals during their transition. With so many resources available, navigating these systems can be overwhelming. The San Diego County District Attorney’s office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego Re-entry Roundtable and 211 San Diego partnered together to improve access to the re-entry resources in San Diego County.

It has been proven that the first 72 hours post-release from prison or jail is a critical time in which connections to an individual’s most crucial needs must be met in order to ensure their long-term success, safety, and stability. Keeping this in mind, it is recommended that when building a stabilization plan the top three resources are clearly identified as immediate needs.