2-1-1 Santa Cruz County

Help is just a click away

  • Home/Inicio
  • About Us/Sobre Nosotros
  • Contact Us/Contactenos

Post Incarceration Reentry Resources

forms
connection
meeting
support
books
para español

72 Hour Checklist

The first 72 hours after release are the most critical for people coming out of custody. Making connections to resources can help with long-term safety, stability, and success. Click here to go through How to Be Successful on Probation and/or print it out to help navigate this important time.

Keep in mind that your Probation or Parole Officer can provide information about resources and answer questions you may have during this period and beyond.

Probation and Parole Services

After release from custody, report to the Parole or Probation office within 24 hours, as ordered by the Court, or as you were previously instructed. If you have questions about whether or not you are under supervision or if you don’t know where to report, it is your responsibility to contact Probation or Parole and confirm your supervision status.

Santa Cruz County Probation Department
Website:  Santa Cruz County Probation

Felton Office:
Juvenile Probation / Juvenile Detention Facility
Phone: 831-454-3800
Fax: 831-454-3827
3650 Graham Hill Road
Felton, CA 95018

Santa Cruz Office
Adult Probation / Pretrial Services: 
Phone: 831-454-2150
Fax: 831-454-3327
303 Water Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Watsonville Office
Adult Probation/Juvenile Probation:
Phone: 831-763-8070
Fax: 831-763-8233
1430 Freedom Boulevard
Watsonville, CA 95076

Probation Service Center
9am-4pm
Phone: 831-454-2250
303 Water Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Division of Adult Parole Operations
Website:  Northern Region Directory

Santa Cruz Police Department Sub Unit                
(831) 420-5800
155 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Probation Approved Treatment Providers

Many services are now accessible through the Probation Service Center (referral required), as well as Mid-County and South-County. Check with your Probation Officer for the following service areas:

PSC Computer LabEducationProvider:  County Office of Education.

Courage to ChangeCTBIProvider:  Volunteer Center. Interactive journaling classes on topics such as responsible thinking, pro-social values, self-control, and peer relationships. Classes available four days a week at the PCS and one day a week in Watsonville, open enrollment at any time. Responds to:  criminal thinking, criminal peers,
Employment ServicesEmploymentProvider:  Leaders in Community Alternatives (LCA).
Peer Navigation ProgramReentryProvider:  Sobriety Works.
ReTurn ProjectMental HealthProvider:  Encompass Community Services.
MENtors Driving ChangeParentingProvider:  MENtors.
High School Diploma / Vocational EdEducationProvider:  County Office of Education.
PSC Computer LabEducationProvider:  County Office of Education.
Anger ManagementCTBIProvider:  Encompass Community Services.
Reentry MentoringReentryProvider:  Barrios Unidos
Ending the GameCTBIProvider:  Monarch Services.
Conflict and Communication SkillsCTBIProvider:  Conflict Resolution Center
Clothing, Food, Hygiene KitsReentryProvider:  PSC Staff

 

You may be ordered by the court to take rehabilitation classes or complete a treatment program. See below for links and more information on local treatment providers that are Santa Cruz County Probation and Court approved.

Domestic Violence Resources

Note: Under AB 372, you may be eligible for an alternative to the 52-week program. You will be informed during your intake appointment or by your Probation Officer which programs are authorized.

Sex Offender Treatment

The CASOMB approves certified Sex Offender Treatment Providers.

CA Dept. of Corrections & Rehabilitation

In cooperation with the Division of Adult Parole Operations, we would like to introduce you to resources available to assist you with re-entry into your community. The Parole Division coordinates, and facilitates orientation meetings called P.A.C.T. (Parole and Community Team), which is designed to connect you with agencies that are interested in assisting and working with you to address your needs and help meet your goals. 

In order to connect you with an array of multiple services, the Division of Adult Parole along with your PACT service providers hold bi-monthly meetings. Upon your release from prison, jail, or anytime you would like to attend a PACT meeting, you will have an opportunity to engage with any of our PACT providers, creating your own network and pathway towards a successful reintegration back into your community. Contact information for these agencies has been incorporated into this website. Good luck, and welcome home! 

For more information:
Salinas Parole Office
320 Airport Blvd
Salinas, CA 93905

Resource Brochure 

Tips for Successful Reentry

There are several things to consider to help make the transition from custody to community as smooth as possible.

When creating your reentry plan, it is a good idea to think about and understand the services you will need. 2-1-1- can help you recognize what your basic needs are and make sure you are connected to the services that can help make your reentry process successful. Click here to print it out. 

Gather Important Documents

Gather important documents such as a birth certificate, a social security card, and a California state identification or driver’s license. If you were born outside of Santa Cruz County, you can find out how to obtain a birth certificate here. 

Obtaining or replacing some of these documents do have associated fees, but waivers are available.

Take Care of Basic Needs: Housing, Food, and Transportation

Housing


Find safe and stable housing. Will you be staying with friends or family? Will you need information on halfway homes, sober living environments, or emergency shelters?

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Alcohol and Drug Free Housing/Sober Living Environments
Emergency Shelters for Homeless Individuals and Families
Transitional Housing (Temporary Housing)
Homeless Drop In Centers

If you are currently without housing and have no plans to stay with friends or family, having your information entered into the Smart Path Assessment (sometimes called the VI-SPDAT or Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool) is the first step to getting help from many programs providing services related to preventing homelessness. Smart Path Assessment is a secure database used by many homeless service providers in Santa Cruz County to determine what services you may be eligible for and to coordinate services between programs. Call 831-454-4122 to see if you are eligible to be entered into Smart Path Assessment.


Food

Find a stable source of food. 

If you need food, go to a food pantry or hot meal program.

The CalFresh program may also help you pay for food by giving you an Electronic Benefit (EBT) Card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. You may be eligible for Emergency CalFresh benefits, which has a three-day application process. This is also called Expedited CalFresh. 

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Cal-Fresh (Food Stamps)
Groceries
Hot Meal Programs

Individuals with prior felony drug convictions that are in compliance with the terms of their parole or probation, or have completed probation or parole, may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits. 

Find out what benefits you may be eligible for using BENEFIT KITCHEN.


Transportation

Learn about transportation options. 

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Bus Route Information
Local Bus Services
Train Service

Don’t forget to ask your Probation Officer for assistance with bus tokens, they may be able to help.

Take Care of Your Medical Needs

Be sure to take care of any immediate medical needs such as prescription refills, physical exams, dental care, vision care, and HIV, STD, and/or Hepatitis testing and treatment.

Find out if you qualify for Medi-Cal, or sign up for health insurance with Covered California.

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Medi-Cal
Health Insurance Information & Enrollment Assistance
Medicare
Medical Clinics
Medical Information Lines
Tuberculosis Screening

Find out what benefits you may be eligible for using BENEFIT KITCHEN.

Find A Stable Source of Income: Employment and Public Benefits

Find a stable source of income.

Seek employment opportunities. Go to a job assistance center or employment program for help writing your resume, interview preparation, and job resources. There are many companies and temp agencies who are willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers
Employment Preparation
Job Finding Assistance

It is illegal for most public or private employers to ask about an applicant’s conviction history until the employer makes a conditional offer of employment. (A conditional offer of employment is a formal job offer that is dependent on the applicant passing certain tests or conditions.)

After the employer makes a conditional offer of employment, the employer can complete a background check on the applicant. If the employer sees a conviction during the background check, they must consider the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and how the offense relates to the job. The employer cannot consider sealed or dismissed arrests and convictions when performing the background check. The employer must communicate their decision to the applicant in writing. The applicant has five days to respond/repeal the decision. Then the employer can make a final decision.  

If an employer asks about felony convictions on their job application, do not check the box. It is an illegal question that is no longer allowed under California law (as of January 1, 2018). 

If you applied for a job and were asked about felony convictions before a conditional offer of employment, and think you were disqualified from the job based on your felony conviction, contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to file a complaint.

Click on a category of Government assistance programs you may be eligible for 

CalWORKs
General Relief
SSI 
SSDI 

Find out what benefits you may be eligible for using BENEFIT KITCHEN.

Resolve Legal and Child Support Issues

Resolve any legal issues or child support issues. 

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

General Legal Aid
Child Support Assistance/Enforcement
How to Change a Child Support Order

Child support issues can prevent you from obtaining a valid drivers license or cause other barriers to your re-entry.

If you have a child support order, you may be able to apply for a modification from the court to have your child support order reduced to reflect a lack of earnings or low earnings.

You may also be eligible to participate in programs that may help you find a job, reinstate your driver’s license, offer parenting education, or help reduce the amount of child support debt you owe. Legal Aid offices may be able to assist you or offer legal representation in child support cases.

Reach Out for Help If You Need It: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counseling

Re-entering the community can be a stressful time. Reach out for help if you need it. 

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Alcohol Use Disorder Dependency Support Groups
Substance Use Disorder & Dependency Support Groups
Alcohol and Drug Free Housing
Adult Counseling
Group Counseling
Anger Management
Psychiatric Disorder Counseling
Mental Health Hotlines
Suicide Prevention Hotlines
In Person Crisis Intervention
Child Abuse Crisis Intervention Hotlines
Talklines/Warmlines

Seek support networks to stay on the right path and to remain sober. Visit supportive people like friends, family, and other helpful people; or attend community support meetings, such as AA, NA, or faith community meetings.

Continuing Your Education

If you are considering continuing your education, find local programs for GED completion, or apply for federal and state financial aid to attend community college for little to no cost through the California Promise Grant program and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For more information on financial aid please visit Education Degree

Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search

Adult High School Diploma Programs
Adult Literacy Programs
Public Libraries
Computer and Related Technology Classes

The California Promise Grant waives students’ per-unit enrollment fee (currently $46) at any community college throughout the state.

FAFSA: If you are on probation or parole or living in a halfway house, you may be eligible for federal student aid. However, if you were convicted of a drug-related offense your eligibility may be limited.

When you complete the FAFSA form, for federal student aid, you will be asked whether you had a drug conviction for an offense that happened during the period you were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, there is a document to help you determine whether your conviction affects your eligibility for federal student aid. 

If you have been convicted of a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense, and you are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for that offense, you cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Even if you are ineligible for federal aid, you should still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Most schools and states use FAFSA information to award nonfederal aid, and you may be able to receive some of those funds.

Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for more help.

2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week AND is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

Discover the public benefits that you’re eligible for now!
  • Home/Inicio
  • About Us/Sobre Nosotros
  • Contact Us/Contactenos

Copyright © 2-1-1 Santa Cruz County. All Rights Reserved

Scroll Up