The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) is committed to creating opportunities for individuals to transform their lives, reinforcing our mission: 'Keep people safe.' Transformation doesn’t happen in isolation. Just as individuals need support, guidance, and opportunities to create lasting change, the work of reentry cannot rest on corrections alone. True reintegration requires all Nebraskans to invest in second chances—because when we support reentry, we build safer communities and a stronger state for everyone. Incarceration marks the beginning of a journey toward change, providing a foundation for personal growth and meaningful rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation is at the heart of NDCS efforts to ensure public safety, offering individuals a chance to address challenges, build skills, and prepare for successful reentry into the community. Through the 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-Being Development™, a strengths-based approach that empowers individuals to take control of their choices, we help people engage in opportunities for growth. This model fosters self-determination and focuses on cultivating well-being, resilience, and readiness for life beyond incarceration.
NDCS provides a broad spectrum of opportunities, including education, vocational training, life skills development, mental health and substance use treatment, education and participation in engaging, pro-social activities. These initiatives are designed to inspire hope, develop new competencies, and pave the way for a successful transition to the community. Reentry planning begins well before release, with individualized support and intentional preparation tailored to each person's unique needs and aspirations.
By emphasizing personal responsibility and offering tools for success, NDCS's rehabilitative efforts create pathways for change-not just for those in our care, but for the safety and strength of the communities to which they will return.
Nebraska became the fourth state to join the national Reentry 2030 initiative in February 2024, reinforcing its commitment to improving reentry outcomes for individuals leaving prison or supervision. This effort is driven by TRANSFORM Nebraska, a comprehensive framework that integrates rehabilitative services, programs, and initiatives into a unified approach.
At its foundation, TRANSFORM Nebraska emphasizes holistic rehabilitation, focusing on personal development, behavior change, and long-term well-being. By addressing multiple aspects of rehabilitation, the initiative supports successful reintegration and helps reduce recidivism. Central to these efforts is the 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-Being Development.™
The 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-being Development™ is a transformative, evidence-based approach to rehabilitation that recognizes the inherent strengths within each individual. It is designed to support personal growth and long-term success by addressing the key components of well-being that are critical for successful reintegration into the community.
By integrating these five keys into the reentry process, the model not only enhances an individual's well-being but also significantly improves their chances of successful reintegration. When people have the tools to think differently, cope effectively, engage in meaningful work, and build strong relationships, they are far more likely to avoid reoffending and contribute positively to their communities.
This model serves as a foundational element within TRANSFORM Nebraska, reinforcing the state's commitment to a holistic, research-driven approach to rehabilitation and reentry.
Effective Coping Strategies recognizes that stress, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed have the potential to sabotage even the best plans. Creating strategies that build on experiences and strengths prepare participants of this program for the feelings that come with challenges and ensures that they have tools to stay away from things that can divert from goals, values, and the preferred future.
The Healthy Thinking Pattern Key recognizes that how we think, feel and communicate can be barriers to effectively interacting with others. Skill building in this area can increase success in family relationships including parenting, interacting with employers and co-workers, coping with challenges, and making effective decisions.
Humans need social support to thrive, and this key encourages participants to consider what support they need to create their desired future, how to obtain this support based on their past successful relationships, and ways to strengthen skills needed to create new positive relationships.
This key considers the importance of living a life that supports balance through pro-social support, activities, and positive productivity. A person involved in their community, engaged with pro-social activities and people, has greater opportunity for success and a support system.
A large part of successful reentry is finding employment that both meets the financial needs of the household, and is meaningful to the worker. This key prepares participants to find a job that puts them on a trajectory for a meaningful career.
Click the catalog below to learn more about the programs and services offered at NDCS.
