Research shows that lack of support and/or proper planning for inmates reentering the community increases the likelihood of recidivism or relapse into addictive behaviors. Discharge planning is the process that occurs while the individual is still incarcerated, which prepares the individual for their reentry into the community. The plans usually include a discharge date, programs the inmate has completed in prison, and medical records, as well as an attempt to coordinate postrelease residence, medical and mental health care providers, and other community-based services for the inmate. The issues of housing as a major barrier to successful reentry and the lack of benefits upon release for people with mental illness are discussed. The article notes four innovative programs in New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans that have been successful in providing services to returning offenders. In addition, policy initiatives at the Federal, State, and local levels are discussed. These include the Reentry Partnership Initiative and the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice. Local and State initiatives for Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio are also examined. References