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 this important time.
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.
After release from custody, report to the Parole or Probation office within 24 hours, as ordered by the Court, or as you were previously instructed. If you have questions about whether or not you are under supervision or if you don’t know where to report, it is your responsibility to contact Probation or Parole and confirm your supervision status.
Sonoma County Probation Agency
Website: http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Probation/
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.
Gather important documents such as a birth certificate, a social security card, and a California state identification or driver’s license. If you were born outside of Sonoma County, you can find out how to obtain a birth certificate here.
Obtaining or replacing some of these documents do have associated fees, but waivers are available.
Housing
Find safe and stable housing.
Will you be staying with friends or family? Will you need information on halfway homes, sober living environments, or emergency shelters?
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
Alcohol and Drug Free Housing
Emergency Shelters for Homeless Individuals and Families
Transitional Housing (Temporary Housing)
Homeless Drop In Centers
If you are currently without housing and have no plans to stay with friends or family, having your information entered into the Sonoma County Coordinated Entry System (CES). It offers a single point of entry and streamlines the process to qualify for shelter and housing programs. Call 2-1-1 for more information.
Food
Find a stable source of food.
If you need food, go to a food pantry or hot meal program.
The CalFresh program may also help you pay for food by giving you an Electronic Benefit (EBT) Card that works like a debit card at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. You may be eligible for Emergency CalFresh benefits, which has a three-day application process. This is also called Expedited CalFresh.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
Cal-Fresh (Food Stamps)
Groceries
Hot Meal Programs
Individuals with prior felony drug convictions that are in compliance with the terms of their parole or probation, or have completed probation or parole, may be eligible to receive CalFresh benefits.
Transportation
Learn about transportation options.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
Bus Route Information
Local Bus Service
Train Service
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
Medi-Cal
Health Insurance Information & Enrollment Assistance
Medicare
Medical Clinics
Medical Information Lines
Tuberculosis Screening
Find a stable source of income.
Seek employment opportunities. Go to a job assistance center or employment program for help writing your resume, interview preparation, and job resources. There are many companies and temp agencies who are willing to hire formerly incarcerated individuals.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers
Employment Preparation
Job Finding Assistance
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
SSI
SSDI
Resolve any legal issues or child support issues.
Click on a category below to begin your reentry resource search
General Legal Aid
Child Support Assistance/Enforcement
How to Change a Child Support Order
Child support issues can prevent you from obtaining a valid drivers 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.
Re-entering the community can be a stressful time. Reach out for help if you need it.
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 Related 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.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for more help.
2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week AND is free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.
