REENTRY / Post Incarceration
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 the checklist and/or print it out to help navigate the available resources.
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.
Upon release from custody, report to the Parole or Probation office within 24 hours, or as ordered by the Court, or as instructed by an officer. If you have questions regarding whether or not you are on supervised probation or you don’t know where to report, it is your responsibility to contact either Probation or Parole and confirm your supervision status.
Santa Barbara County Probation Agency
Website: www.sbprobation.org/
Probation Report & Resource Center (PRRC)
Santa Maria PRRC
(805) 346-7620
124 W Carmen Lane, Suite K
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Santa Barbara PRRC
(805) 692-4890
4500 Hollister Avenue
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Santa Barbara Adult Services
(805) 882-3700
117 East Carrillo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Lompoc Adult & Juvenile Services
(805) 737-7800
415 East Cypress Avenue
Lompoc, CA 93436
Santa Maria Adult & Juvenile Services
(805) 803-8500
2121 South Centerpointe Parkway
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Division of Adult Parole Operations
Website: Northern Region Directory
Ventura County Regional Office
(805) 382-8151
1555 West 5th Street, Suite #102
Oxnard, CA 93030
San Luis Obispo Store Front
(805) 347-0058
1775 South McClellan Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Gather these important documents to assist with your reentry after incarceration.
- Birth Certificate (Santa Barbara County)
- Birth Certificate (Outside of Santa Barbara County)
- Social Security Card
- Identification Card or Driver's License (California)
* Obtaining or replacing some of these documents do have associated fees, but waivers are available.
Housing
Housing Search Resource
Housing is one of the most critical components to reentry! If formerly incarcerated individuals have a secure space to call home, the likelihood that they will re-offend diminishes exponentially. Visit https://www.fairshake.net/housing/ for resources.
Find safe and stable housing.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search.
- Sober Living Homes - Drug Use Recovery
- Sober Living Homes - Alcohol Use Recovery
- Transitional Housing
Food
Find a stable source of food.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search.
* Individuals with prior felony drug convictions who are in compliance with the terms of their parole or probation, or have completed probation or parole, may be eligible to receive CalFresh food benefits.
Transportation
Learn about transportation options.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search.
* Don’t forget to ask your Probation Officer for assistance with bus tokens. They may be able to help.
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.
Find a stable source of income
Seek employment opportunities. Visit a job assistance center or employment program for help writing your resume, interview preparation, and job resources. Many companies and temp agencies are willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
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
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Find out what benefits you may be eligible for using BENEFIT KITCHEN.
Resolve any Legal or Child Support Issues.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
Child support issues can prevent you from obtaining a valid driver's 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.
Re-entering the community can be a stressful time.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
- Alcohol Dependency Support Groups
- Drug Dependency Support Groups
- Alcohol and Drug Free Housing
- General Adult Counseling
- Group Counseling
- Anger Management
- Psychiatric Disorder Counseling
- Mental Health Hotlines
- Suicide Prevention Hotlines
- Mobile Crisis Response Teams
- 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.
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).
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
- Adult High School Diploma Programs
- Adult Literacy Programs
- Public Libraries
- Computer and 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.
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.