Establish the New Haven Reentry Initiative to serve 100-125 high risk male and female offenders returning to New Haven, CT.

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.

Connecticut Department of Correction will use grant funds to establish the New Haven Reentry Initiative to serve 100 to 125 male and female offenders returning to New Haven following incarceration. The New Haven Reentry Initiative (NHRI) is being developed in accordance with "Partners in Progress - The State of Connecticut Re-entry Strategy Plan." The NHRI Task Force/Implementation Team was established one-year ago with key partners. The Task Force will facilitate the implementation, technical assistance, training, reporting and evaluation efforts for this grant initiative. Under the grant funds, the grantee will: (1) Utilize New Haven Correctional Center as a "Step Down" facility from prison to community; (2 Engage community providers to provide intensive case management services; (3) Establish a Reentry Center in New Haven; (4) Provide Continuing Education and Vocational Training; (5) Support Family Reunification; and (6) Support Entrepreneurial Community Service-Based Reentry Programs.

CA/NCF