Virginia Community Reentry Program

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 Virginia Department of Social Services will use their grant funds to support the Virginia Community Reentry Program (VCRP). The VCRP is a comprehensive community based reentry approach unique in its integration of human services and public safety. The VCRP focuses on reducing recidivism by providing case management and a comprehensive range of services. For this initiative, the approach will focus on 200 high risk offenders that have limited work histories and lack the vocational and soft skills to gain and maintain employment. Program participants who are scheduled to be released within six to twelve months will receive pre-release services, and then continue receiving services through reentry and reintegration.

CA/NCF