Moving Forward

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.

Alaska Native Justice Center will use the FY 2010 grant funds to expand upon its existing reentry services to primarily Alaska Native residents. The program, "Moving Forward," will provide two types of service: (a) to provide sustained case planning and management in the community; and (b) support a comprehensive range of services for offenders. Alaska Native Justice Center has developed working relationships with partner agencies providing supportive services including primary health, mental health, and behavioral health treatment, educational, vocational, and housing support, as well as reentry mentoring suport. The services will include assessment and the development of an individualized re-entry plan and individual support team. The Moving Forward will coordinate with a DOC case manager and begin case management services immediately upon enrolling in the program with assessment, development of an individualized re-entry plan, and sustained case management for a period no less than 6 months post-release. Particular attention will be paid to the high-risk transition period surrounding release.

CA/NCF