Employment Training for Reentering Offenders

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 Turning Point Applied Learning Center will use the funding to implement an employment training program for offenders reentering the community. The overall goal of the project is to improve public safety and reduce the recidivism of ex-offenders in a five county region by providing intensive case management in conjunction with employment training. The primary target population are ex-offenders who do not have a GED and are seeking basic employment skills and a documented work history. The project expects to serve 15 ex-offenders from the counties of Highland, Clinton, Adams, Fayette, and Ross. Training will be delivered through 420 hours of classroom instruction and manufacturing work experience that emphasizes leadership, team building, communication skills, and overcoming barriers to employment. Activities to be implemented include intensive case management, academic tutoring, GED preparation, paid employment training, individual and group counseling, supportive services, and job readiness skills development. Progress will be measured by the number of participants completing the program, the reduction in recidivism, and the long-term unsubsidized employment retention.

NCA/NCF