Preparing
for Release.

Turning Preparation Into Stability

A field guide for the months before release, and the families, clinicians, and case workers supporting that transition. Practical, clinical, plainspoken.

Price

$20

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Volume discounts available for facility programs

Topics Covered

What this volume addresses.

Practical reentry preparation for the weeks and months before release, written for incarcerated learners, families, and the staff supporting them.

Emotional readiness for release

Recognizing the mix of hope, fear, stress, and pressure that can come with getting out and learning how to slow down, check in, and prepare before emotions take over.

The first 72 hours

Building a realistic plan for the first few days after release, including where to stay, who to contact, how to get to appointments, and what to do if the plan changes.

Patterns to leave behind

Identifying habits, people, situations, and ways of thinking that have caused problems in the past and choosing what needs to stay behind in order to move forward.

Building a reentry plan

Setting realistic priorities and creating clear 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day goals for housing, recovery, mental health, work, relationships, and staying on track.

Daily structure and routine

Creating a simple daily routine to reduce boredom, stress, and impulsive decisions after release, especially during the times of day when things tend to get harder.

Triggers, pressure, and decision points

Recognizing real-life situations that can lead to relapse, conflict, missed appointments, or old patterns and practicing one better move before the moment takes over.

Support and setback planning

Identifying trusted people, learning how to ask for help, and preparing for setbacks so one mistake does not turn into a bigger spiral.

Reentry basics and next steps

Preparing for practical needs like ID, housing, medication, healthcare, Medicaid, transportation, appointments, crisis numbers, and important contacts.

Who It's For

Built to be useful, inside and out.

Individuals preparing for release

Practical tools for managing stress, building a release plan, identifying triggers, creating healthy routines, and preparing for the first days back in the community.

Families & loved ones

Guidance to better understand reentry challenges, support accountability, and help loved ones prepare for stability after release.

Staff, clinicians & probation teams

A structured reentry resource for discharge planning, case management, supervision support, behavioral health education, and group discussion.