Transitional Conferencing helps people prepare for a smooth transition from prison into community and family life. We do this by: · Arranging conference opportunities for people to meet with family and community members before release. · Helping families and individuals set realistic goals in planning for life  after release. · Providing a safe place for families to have discussions about future plans. · Helping participants identify their own resources and those in the community that they can rely on as they move on from prison.

The Transitional Conferencing process begins with meetings between the program facilitator and the person  preparing for release. During this meeting, the person decides whether Transitional Conferencing seems like a good fit for them and, if so, works with the facilitator to develop a list of people in the family and community with whom they would like to meet before release. Next, the facilitator contacts those identified as potential participants and explains the transitional conferencing process. If these potential participants agree that Transitional Conferencing could be helpful for them, the facilitator arranges the conference between the person in prison and the family and community members. During the conference, the facilitator works to help the participants discuss difficult topics, to stick to ground rules set by the group, maintain a level of respectful behavior and ensure that everyone have a chance to express their thoughts and opinions.

OTHER SERVICES

Circle of Healing:  Transitional Conferencing sponsors Restorative Justice Circles of Healing at the Minnesota Correctional Facility for women in Shakopee.  We offer 9 sessions with a focus on healing, accountability and support.  We encourage the women to tell their story – the events of their crime, how they felt then and how they feel now.  They are able to share because as a circle they create values, such as respect, honesty, confidentiality, which they honor and hold during their time together.