What It Is

OSI is a concept regarding the management of offenders both in the institution and the community. OSI was a response based upon limited resources and the most efficient way to use these resources. The goal is to assist offenders in becoming successful members of society through treatment, education, and vocational training without compromising community safety.

The Offender Success Initiative (OSI) is a philosophy of helping offenders overcome lifelong challenges. Every member of the Department of Corrections performs their job in a manner that promotes community safety and offender success. Successful re-entry into the community begins at entry. Every staff member who works with offenders, whether at the pre-sentence investigation level or parole release level, will focus efforts on guiding offenders toward success and away from crime.

How It Works

OSI begins when offenders are referred to Adult Probation and Parole for their first pre-sentence investigation report. Offenders will be assessed using the LSI-R (Level Of Service Inventory) and other assessment tools to determine their needs with regard to treatment, therapy, education and vocational training. A recommendation is made to the court, which includes the needs as determined by the LSI-R. The LSI-R also determines the potential risks to the community posed by an offender.

If an offender is placed on probation, the goal is to keep the offender from being committed to prison. This may be accomplished by providing close supervision of offenders in the community. Using the information from the PSI and LSI, offenders are referred to the appropriate treatment/therapy, educational and vocational training and assisted in obtaining employment. Offenders will often violate the terms of their supervision. When this occurs, the alternative event should address the problem; for example, if an offender struggles with addiction, substance abuse treatment may increase. Appropriate alternatives should be offered when assisting offender with lifelong change.