Second Chance in Action

The Second Chance Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-199) provides a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison and jail into communities and the subsequent challenges communities face as offenders attempt to reintegrate into society. The Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative provides funding to state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes for demonstration projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated. Funded demonstration projects will use validated and dynamic assessment tools to determine the risks and needs of offenders. Projects will provide offenders in prisons or jails with all necessary services to facilitate reentry into the community. In addition, the projects will develop procedures to ensure that dangerous felons are not released from prison prematurely and provide services that address treatment needs and protect communities against dangerous offenders. Allowable uses of funds to enhance a successful transition include: pre-release assessment and case planning, mentoring, housing, education, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, services to enhance family reunification, job training and readiness, and post-release case management and supervision.

The Missouri Department of Corrections will use their FY 10 Second Chance Act: State Demonstration funds to establish the Second Chance in Action (SCIA) intervention. The SCIA will focus on high-risk female offenders released to rural southeast Missouri. This intervention will also address gaps in gender appropriate treatment and case management while increasing the community's capacity to comprehensively address a region where resources are currently scarce. The SCIA's intensive, client-centered approach will enroll an average of five offenders a month and serve 52 (62 in years two and three) offenders in the 1st year. The goals of SCIA are to: (1) reduce crime and /recidivism rates; (2) improve employment outcomes; (3) increase education outcomes; (4) increase housing opportunities; (5) increase participation in community-based mental health services, and (6) reduce alcohol and drug use.

CA/NCF