In partnership with the NYC Department of Correction, CASES launched the Day Custody Program (DCP) in 2005 for individuals charged in Manhattan Criminal Court who have three or more prior misdemeanor convictions and are likely to receive a short jail sentence of detention on Rikers Island. DCP is a three-day sanction during which participants report to a secure DOC facility each day where they perform community service and receive substance abuse education, counseling, and referrals to treatment providers. The program thereby offers an alternative that saves taxpayers the costs of incarceration while providing participants with services that address the underlying causes of their criminal activity.

Screening

CASES court staff screen defendants in Criminal Court, advocate for participation in the program with judges and prosecutors, and report to the courts on participant compliance.

Referrals to DCP

Services

• Community service - program participants perform community service within the DOC facility under the supervision of a CASES site supervisor and a DOC officer
• Needs assessment - a comprehensive review to determine service needs in the areas of substance abuse, homelessness, and obstacles to employment
• Legal education - created from literature disseminated by the Legal Action Center, this workshop educates participants about barriers faced by individuals with criminal histories and how to successfully address them
• Discharge planning - individualized plans created by CASES staff that include linkages to needed services, including community-based drug treatment programs and employment, housing, mental health, and healthcare assistance