Clean Slate Clinic for Community Reentry and Reintegration

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The East Bay Community Law Center will use its FY 09 award to support the Clean Slate Clinic which works to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system by providing legal information and assistance to low-income people with criminal records in Alameda County. The Clinic will be a collaboration between the courts, District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation Department, and community-based organizations to reduce recidivism and promote reintegration by removing civil barriers to jobs, education, housing, and civic participation for people who have completed their sentences. The Clinic will help clients access their criminal records and petition for dismissal of those records or other appropriate remedies. Grant funds will pay for personnel costs, travel reimbursements for clients, and supplies.

NCA/NCF