The Family Reunification Reentry Initiative (FRRI)

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 Lehigh County Department of Corrections will use FY 2010 SCA funds to support the Family Reunification Reentry Initiative (FRRI). The goal of this initiative will be to increase public safety by reducing recidivism rates. The grant funds will be used for enhancement of the planning process for the targeted population of women in the work release facility. Specifically, the services provided will include risk and needs assessment, sustained case planning and management, parenting skills, vocational training, education services, and post-release treatment plans.

CA/NCF