Prisoner Reentry Capacity Building Project

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 City of New Haven will support a Prisoner Reentry Capacity Building project. The City of New Haven will use funds to support personnel and contractors implementing the project. The Initiative works with community partners, state agencies and other reentry stakeholders to support the reintegration of formerly incarcerated residents into the New Haven community. Over the next two years the Initiative will expand its work through a Community Empowerment Program, designed to support and enhance the potential of the individuals, families and communities disproportionately impacted by high rates of incarceration by providing financial and infrastructural support to grassroots community-based groups. Comprehensive data collection covering quantitative and qualitative outcomes will document the effectiveness of staff and programming efforts in bringing about positive transformation among individuals, families, and communities served.

NCA/NCF