Second Chance Act, Adult Offender Reentry Demostration Project

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 Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) will use their FY10 Second Chance Act: State Demonstration funds to serve 200 ex-offenders including 100 violent offenders, 30 sex offenders, and 70 non-violent offenders. NDOC strategy is to help ex-offenders successfully reenter the community and reduce recidivism, while increasing public safety. It is critical to begin pre-release services at least as early as three months prior to the offender's release. NDOC partners will provide pre-release assessments, programming, transition planning, post-release supervision, and coordination of services between NDOC and service providers to pave the way for a more successful transition for reentering offenders.

CA/NCF