Human Development

 


 

The Missouri Reentry Process and Building Strong Families - Department of Corrections

Jamie H. Thompson, Family Financial Education Specialist and Kathy Dothage, Human Development Specialist

 

One of the most pressing and complex challenges facing state government in Missouri and across the nation is the reintegration of adult offenders from prison back into society.  Ninety-seven percent of all the men and women committed to prison will someday be released.  It is in everyone’s best interest that released offenders re-enter society safely and live as law-abiding, self-sufficient citizens.

 

Missouri Reentry Process (MPR) goals include:

 

As part of this process Extension Specialists provide the Building Strong Families training to improve the chances of successful reintegration of adult offenders. 

 

Program topics include Family Strengths, Communication, Stress Management, Healthy House, Child Self-Care, Balancing Responsibilities, Goal Setting, Working, Consumer Beware, Children and Self Esteem, Positive Discipline, Money Matters, and Food and Fitness.  These programs are conducted over a 13 week period, 2 hours for each class.

 

Programs conducted in Cole County or involving the Cole County Specialist included:

 

At the Tipton Correctional Center, Extension staff was assisted by an inmate facilitator.  He had the opportunity teach a short a piece of each week’s curriculum.  At the end of the year he told the staff he” never studied in school” and “could not stand-up in class to talk.”  As a result of opportunity, he has decided to enroll in college and someday teach.

 

Comments from participants:

 

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

Linda Zimmerman, Regional Nutrition & Health Specialist

 

Researchers at Tufts University have shown that participation in regular strengthening exercises can improve older adults’ muscle mass, flexibility, and balance.  An added benefit is increased mobility and ability to carry out activities of daily living.

 

Stay Strong, Stay Healthy is a simple and effective strength training program based on this research.  The 10-week program is designed to help individuals improve their overall health and quality of life.  This program also provides a public benefit by helping citizens remain active members of their communities and reduce the need for assistance.

 

In 2008, the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy 10-week program series was offered twice in Jefferson City and four times in Callaway County.  A total of 84 men and women (age range 59 to 84 years) participated; 26 were residents of Cole County.

 

At the end of the 10-week program series, participant evaluations showed:

 

The program participants were assessed in five fitness areas prior to the first class and again at the last class. All of the participants who completed the program series improved their fitness level: 21% improved in all five areas, 31% improved in four of five areas, and 31% improved in three of five areas, and 17% improved in two of five areas.

 

Some examples of how participants felt the program had improved their lives:

·         “All daily movement is easier”

·         “I feel better about myself”

·         “I am more sociable”

·         “I feel better physically”

·         “The class encourages me to continue exercising”

·         “The exercises have strengthened me”

·         “Going up/down stairs is easier”

·         “My balance is improved”

·         “I am more motivated to exercise outside of class”

·         “My posture is improved”

·         “I have greater stamina”

 

Focus on Kids

Kathy Dothage, Human Development Specialist

 

Focus on Kids is a 2-1/2 hour program mandated for individuals with children 18 years of age and under who are divorcing or otherwise involved in child custody cases. 

 

Over 151 parents participated in the 12 seminars offered in Callaway County, of which 12 participants were from Cole County.  One of the participants wrote:  "This is an outstanding program and I hope it continues for the sake of the children."

 

Healthy Indoor Air Training for Childcare Providers

Michael Goldschmidt, AIA CSI, University of Missouri State Housing & Environmental Design Specialist.

 

Healthy Indoor Air is a national education program developed to help consumers improve the quality of indoor air in homes.  The 2-hour workshop was held for childcare providers at the Cole County Extension Center in September.  A total of 29 licensed childcare providers attended; 17 were residents of Cole County.

 

The session provided simple steps childcare providers can take to reduce children’s’ exposure to harmful indoor pollutants and ensure that their childcare facilities are a healthier place.  The ten common indoor air hazards were covered including: moisture and biological problems (e.g. molds, mildew and dust mites), carbon dioxide, radon, household products, asbestos, lead, and secondhand smoke.

 

All participants felt it was beneficial for work and home; 88% listed at least one example of something they had learned which included:

·         Identifying household toxins, how to test for them, and what to do after testing

·         The “invisible” hazards that surround children

·         How to buy an air cleaner

·         Types of furnace filters available and what the MERV ratings mean

·         Radon in soil and how to test

·         Need to vent carbon monoxide above gas stove

·         Detectors need to be replaced every 5-7 years

 

Participants also shared one action they planned to take:

·         Test heat registers and other areas to check for mold problems

·         Check batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

·         Ensure smoke detectors are not past their expiration date

·         Buy carbon monoxide detectors and install them in appropriate places

·         Watch for symptoms of bad air quality

 

Everyone who attended the workshop indicated that they would recommend it to others. Comments included: