Program Spotlight: Forensics Team
Photo via South_agency from Getty Images. To honor the privacy and dignity of those we serve, FrontLine Service does not share client photos or identifying details.
David considered the end of his 30-year prison sentence a starting line rather than a finish line.
After his release, David struggled to live in a world he hadn't seen in decades. He felt completely lost filling out online applications for jobs and housing and navigating the Internet and smartphones. However, he felt determined to rebuild his life after incarceration without relying on others.
Knowing he’d need support, David requested a referral to FrontLine Service's Forensics case management team. FrontLine’s Forensics team assists formerly incarcerated individuals like David who need mental health treatment and housing assistance after re-entering the community from jail or prison.
Prior to David’s release, Forensics Case Manager, Roanne Amatorio, began working with David to help him reach his goal of living independently.
Immediately after his release, Roanne connected David to FrontLine's counseling services to help address his PTSD.
To help David begin reintegrating into the outside world, Roanne taught David how to text; he relies on talk-to-text because the keyboard is still overwhelming.
Drawing on his experience as a business owner, David took on odd jobs to save up for his apartment. But as a formerly incarcerated individual, finding housing was an uphill battle.
According to the A Never Ending Sentence report, over 80% of Cuyahoga County affordable rental housing properties can ban the applications of individuals with felony convictions. Roanne and David applied for and toured countless apartments that would suddenly go silent after the first interview.
For two full years, David persistently applied for apartments. Eventually, he secured an apartment with a property manager willing to lease to him.
He even found a weekly volunteer opportunity in his new neighborhood. Roanne continues to check on David to help address any new challenges.
