INL Mexico: Development of a Comprehensive Prison Inmate Reinsertion Methodology Grant

The Government of Mexico (GOM) created a multiagency group in order to implement an integral strategy to avoid the recidivism of inmates and assure their prompt social reintegration. The strategy considers multiagency coordination in order to implement programs to support the reentry process of the inmate population. Another key element of the strategy is to develop a comprehensive prison inmate care methodology.

The first phase of the strategy contemplates four Mexican prisons that were selected by the GOM based on the characteristics of their inmate population. The prisons are located in Islas Marias, Jalisco, Guerrero and Hidalgo.

INL is seeking applications from qualified organizations to conduct a diagnostic study of four prisons facilities and to develop a comprehensive prison inmate care methodology.

Funding for any award(s) will come from the US Embassy in Mexico City’s Technical Assistance in Prison Management program and Drug Demand Reduction program. The goal of the Technical Assistance in Prison Management program is to assist the Government of Mexico in improving the ability of its prison system to more effectively manage violent offenders and members of criminal networks. The goal of the Drug Demand Reduction program is to assist the Government of Mexico in strengthening its ability to diagnose and treat drug addiction, as part of a larger effort to fight organized crime.

Financing projects related to the reentry in Mexico forms parts of the Technical Assistance in Prison Management and Drug Demand Reduction program’s goals. The reentry programs are designed to assist inmates with a successful transition to their community after they are released.

TARGET THEMES AND ACTIVITIES
INL is seeking proposals that will provide a) a road plan on how the applicant intends to conduct a diagnostic study (or gap analysis) of four prisons, b) a road plan on how the applicant intends to approach the development of a comprehensive prison inmate care methodology, that can be implemented in every prison facility, but it is also required to specific recommendations based of the characteristics of the inmate population (male, female and juvenile prisoners). And c) In addition, proposal should provide a plan to identify training needs for each facility.

The prisons selected for this pilot program are:

• Federal Reisertion Center Morelos, Islas Marias
• Female Reintegration Center for the State of Jalisco.
• Juvenile Center for Measure Implementation for the State of Guerrero.
• Center for Social Reinsertion for Pachuca, Hidalgo.

The Government of Mexico will facilitate communication with state authorities to allow permission for any entry into the state prisons identified and in the case of Islas Marias may provide lodging and meals where no other options exists.

Applicants must design and propose their own programs based on the aspects they consider important in the development of the comprehensive prison inmate care methodology. These should include, but are not limited to:

1. Conduct a diagnostic (gap analysis) of each facility to assess the programs, and methodologies that have been implemented in the established reinsertion programs of each prisoner as well as the conditions and structural needs. To be compliant with Mexican Constitution article 18.
2. Evaluation and follow up of the actions implemented of each participating entity and agency;
3. Identify existing programs or actions leading to improved job skills, education, health and addiction prevention related issues;
4. Evaluation of the policies and procedures of each prison facility;
5. Definition of specific actions in short, medium and long terms that need to be implemented in each prison facility to be in compliance with reinsertion program based on human rights, education, work and training opportunities, health and sports;
6. Identification of training needs and professional profiles for prison personnel;
7. Analysis of communication between the agencies involved in the strategy.

At the end of the study we expect to see the results of the diagnostic and a comprehensive prison care methodology and finally the training needs.