Newark Returning Offender Initiative

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 Newark will use their FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award in the amount of $500,000 to support Mayor Cory Booker's Returning Offender Initiative, also known as the Reentry Initiative. This initiative supports formerly incarcerated people as they reintegrate into the community, the economy, and their families. The Initiative also works to connect employers with quality workers, help individuals with substance abuse and mental health issues find treatment, and get families the support that they need. The goal of the Mayor's Reentry Initiative is to make Newark safer and change public perception on the issue of including formerly incarcerated people in our community while developing a sustainable model. Accordingly, funds will be used to hire a Director of Reentry to oversee NPRI and broader reentry efforts, a Program Manager to oversee coordination of client services, and a Data Analyst to oversee accurate data entry into the management information system by community partners. Additionally, the project will fund a transitional job program.

NCA/NCF