The Out The Gate (OTG) workbooks series is an excellent resource for Probation/Parole Officers, Juvenile Court Counselors, Corrections Educators, Church Outreach Mentors, and others who are committed to changing lives and reducing recidivism. Each chapter from the paperback book, has an accompanying printable workbook. The program is structured and user-friendly, yet flexible to fit your program needs. An online training is available. Contact info@otgreintegration.com for more information.

 A study by the US Department of Justice found a three-year recidivism rate of 68%. Six years after release, 79% had been re-arrested. So how do we reduce these numbers? According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, inmates who participate in educational programs are 43% less likely to recidivate. Such programs include adult literacy and basic life skills. The OTG program teaches such life skills e.g., budgeting, goal setting, anger management, and problem solving. Most criminologists agree that a top factor in recidivism reduction is the offender's ability to become gainfully employed. OTG places special emphasis on  employability skills integral to a successful reintegration. It includes lessons on professional networking, job seeking, resumes/applications, interview skills, and job retention. In addition to employability, the research also agrees on the efficacy of cognitive behavioral programs.  Cognitive behavioral programs teach the connection between thoughts and actions.

Lessons 3 of Out the Gate teaches the T.E.A.R. Scan, a self-awareness/regulation tool. In Lesson 4, students learn H.O.L.L.A., a 5-step problem solving method. Students practice the use of both tools in each sequential lesson. Out The Gate empowers participants with examples of beneficial thoughts, e.g..,Hold up, hold up- wait a minute…don’t forget your BIG PICTURE…when you’re mad, breathe in, count to 10, try and grin …think before you act, look at the consequences...Students learn that the brain is capable of producing thousands of thoughts each day, and are challenged to choose (act on) thoughts that will benefit their efforts to make good choices and remain crime free.

As a corrections educator, Allen Hines spent 20+ years teaching anger management, problem solving and social skills, all integral components of cognitive behavioral programs.

Review Team