3. a. The Commissioner of Corrections and Chairman of the State Parole Board shall coordinate reentry preparation and other rehabilitative services for inmates in all State correctional facilities pursuant to P.L.2019, c.364 (C. 30:4-123.55b et al.).

Appropriate staff within the Department of Corrections and State Parole Board shall be responsible for engaging with each inmate to develop and implement an individualized, comprehensive reentry plan for services during the inmate’s incarceration. This plan may be refined and updated during incarceration as needed, and shall include recommendations for community-based services prior to the inmate’s actual return to the community. Appropriate staff within the Department of Corrections and State Parole Board shall determine what medical, psychiatric, psychological, educational, vocational, substance use disorder, and social rehabilitative services shall be incorporated into a comprehensive reentry plan in order to prepare each inmate for successful integration upon release. The Department of Corrections shall establish guidelines, timelines, and procedures to govern the institutional reentry plan process.

b. Appropriate staff within the Department of Corrections and State Parole Board shall compile and disseminate to inmates information concerning organizations and programs, whether faith-based or secular programs, which provide assistance and services to inmates reentering society after a period of incarceration. In compiling this information, the appropriate staff shall consult with non-profit entities that provide informational services concerning reentry, the Executive Director of the Office of Faith-based Initiatives in the Department of State, and the Corrections Ombudsperson in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury.

c. The State Parole Board shall ensure that all inmates are made aware of and referred to organizations which provide services in the county where the inmate is to reside after being released from incarceration. The State Parole Board shall assist inmates in gaining access to programs and procuring the appropriate post-release services.

d. The Department of Corrections and State Parole Board may employ professional and clerical staff as necessary within the limits of available appropriations.

L.2019, c.364, s.3; amended 2023, c.177, s.91.