The fact sheet includes information on providing effective transition services for inmates, the challenges in providing transition services, and innovative programs and strategies that address this problem. In 1999, almost 600,000 people were released from State and Federal prisons. Most inmates leave prison with no savings, no stable housing, no health or unemployment benefits, and very limited job possibilities. Transition services provide a crucial link to immediate sources of help to address these issues. Ideally, transition services begin when an inmate is first incarcerated. A prisoner’s initial intake evaluation includes an assessment of his or her needs for substance abuse treatment, health care, mental health, and education. This assessment should shape discharge planning and services provided after release. Discharge planning should cover pre-release enrollment in Medicaid and related benefit programs, substance abuse treatment, health care, AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), social services, job training, housing assistance, mental health services, and Ryan White CARE Act programs. Corrections may face three challenges in providing transition services: coverage, access, and quality. Coverage focuses on whether services are reaching enough people to really make a difference. Access focuses on the number and location of services. Quality focuses on the training and competence of service providers. Across the country, agencies, organizations and providers are working to meet the needs of newly released inmates. The Tarzana Treatment Center in Los Angeles, California, Project Bridge, a demonstration project funded through the Ryan White CARE Act, and the CDC/HRSA Corrections Demonstration Projects are a few of the programs designed to help drug users return to their communities.