Reentry Services for Ex-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 Offender Aid & Restoration of Essex County, Inc. (OAR) proposal outlines a reentry service that offers interventions for adults who are returning from incarceration in federal, state, or local jails. Therefore, the OAR goal for the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award is to equip the clients with resources, skills, and opportunities that will promote a lawful and productive future for themselves and family. To accomplish this goal, OAR will focus on assessing the strengths and challenges confronting the recently released offenders in order to prepare them for employment. To meet the needs of the clients, they will partner with community-based service providers that can offer additional resources required to meet the needs of each individual.

NCA/NCF