Reintegration of Offenders
Project RIO is a unique multi-agency initiative that help parolees re-enter society and the workforce. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) administers the program to help ex-offenders help themselves.
Project RIO recognizes that employment is a key factor in reducing recidivism. An ex-offender who secures employment is three times more likely to stay out of jail than one who does not. The state pays $45 per day, per inmate for incarceration. Each new prison cell costs more than $20,000. Studies show RIO helps Texas save more than $16.5 million each year in potential re-incarceration costs.
Project RIO coordinates services of various state agencies and organizations, including the Institutional and Paroles Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and TWC. Inmates learn about the program from supportive RIO professionals who explain benefits of prison education and vocational training programs and encourage their participation.
Since the Houston and Dallas pilot programs opened in 1985, Project RIO has expanded statewide, offering direct placement and support services in more than 90 Texas cities. The program now reaches 100 percent of the targeted ex-offender population. Project RIO has served over 146,000 ex-offenders, and 71 percent of those clients have entered employment. In the next two years, more than 22,000 ex-offenders will secure employment.
The U.S. Department of Labor, the National Governor's Conference, the Texas Legislature, the National League of Cities and the John F. Kennedy School of Government have recognized this innovative rehabilitative program.
Parole Division staff members refer parolees to their local TWC office (MRGDC Workforce Center) for intake, evaluation, counseling and possible testing. At a Project RIO orientation, parolees learn of community, support, education and training services. TWC immediately sends RIO clients on job interviews or refers them to other services.
Project RIO's seven full-service sites offer special job search seminars that cover such topics as completing applications, making appointments, writing resumes and interviewing. Facilitators also discuss interview attire, telephone etiquette and labor market information. TWC's interviewers continue to assist ex-offenders until they find suitable employment.
TWC's RIO staff screens applicants and matches them to appropriate job listings, helping ensure employer satisfaction. Beside providing a valuable workforce, Project RIO gives tax credits up to $2,100 through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program. RIO also provides free employee bonding on request.
Status |
Eligibility Requirement |
How Referred |
How Scheduled |
|
On Parole RIO Indicator-1 |
Currently on State parole. If client is currently enrolled in RIO at the time of discharge, client can continue to receive RIO services for a period of one year from discharge date. |
Parole Officer Case Management Staff Residential Service Provider |
Parole Officer TWC Staff Scheduled Direct |
|
Flat Time Release RIO Indicator-1 |
Client is within 12 months of release date. If client is currently enrolled in RIO and 12 months from release date passes, client can continue to receive RIO services through the current program year. *See Note Below |
Self Referred |
Scheduled Direct |
|
State Jail Releasee RIO Indicator-4 |
Client is within 12 months of release date. If client is currently enrolled in RIO and 12 months from release date passes, client can continue to receive RIO services through the current program year. |
Self Referred |
Scheduled Direct |
|
Youth Offender RIO Indicator-2 |
Client is currently under supervision of TYC or is a former resident of a TYC facility and is aged 16-21. |
Parole Officer Case Management Staff Self Referred |
Parole Officer TWC Staff Scheduled Direct |
|
On Probation RIO Indicator-4** |
State Jail releasee or released from SAFPF. If client is currently enrolled in RIO at the time probation is discharged, client may continue to receive RIO services for a period of one year from discharge date. |
CSCD Officer Case Management Staff Self Referred |
CSCD Officer Case Managment Staff Scheduled Direct |
|
* Intake should be provided for parole dischargee's who have not participated in RIO and are within one year of their parole discharge date. They can receive RIO services through the current program year. ** Except in sites with Employment Services for Probationers (EPS) programs. RIO Indicator-5 is utilized by ESP assigned staff only. |
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Project RIO also provides free fidelity bonding services to facilitate success in job placement for at-risk applicants. Job seekers who have in the past committed dishonest acts, or who have demonstrated other past behavior which casts doubt upon credibility or honesty, often experience a barrier to gaining employment. Such persons are routinely classified as "at-risk" job applicants. Project RIO has purchased bonding services for use with RIO eligible offenders who experience this barrier. The McLaughlin Company, agent for Travelers Insurance, has made available a limited number of courtesy bonds, which are available for use with non-RIO clients. These free fidelity bonding services for at-risk job applicants are available to employers to encourage use of the RIO resources.
If you are working with an at-risk client who has secured a job opportunity requiring fidelity bonding, please refer them to the most convenient Project RIO representative for service. For assistance in determining the closest Project RIO representative, you may call 800.453.8140. For additional information on Project RIO, visit the Texas Workforce Commission web site.
The Middle Rio Grande Development Council is an equal opportunity employer/program/service provider. Auxiliary aids and services may be made available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For information please contact Relay Texas at (800) 735-2989, our direct voice telephone number (830) 876-3533 or our TDD telephone number (830) 876-1260. The contents of this web site are the property of the Middle Rio Grande Development Council, please do not reproduce them without the express written consent of the Council - 2010
Today Is: Tuesday » February 9, 2010
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