Indianapolis Women's Re-entry Assistance Program

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 Indianapolis will partner with Liberty Hall, a privately-owned women's residential center, to offer reintegration resources and support to women before, during, and after their release from Liberty Hall. Funding will be used to hire a case manager to develop individualized case management plans and provide connections to education, employment, substance abuse counseling and other services as necessary. The goal of the Indianapolis Women's Re-entry Assistance Program is to reduce criminal justice involvement of previously incarcerated mothers and reduce the intergenerational involvement of their children in the criminal justice system.

NCA/NCF