Project STARR (Striving to Attain Recidivism Reduction)

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 City of Hartford will use the FY 2010 SCA grant funds to: (1) Provide intensive pre-release services to 125 target population offenders per year; (2) provide the target population with intensive case management services for at least six months post prison discharge; and (3) provide the target population with treatment, educational, vocational, and job placement services, substance abuse treatment, housing, health services, and mentoring. Specifically, the SCA grant funds will cover salary costs and benefits for 2 case managers, provide funds for travel and training. The grant funds will also support consultants, employment assistance, domestic violence counseling, sex offender counseling, program implementation, and indirect costs.

CA/NCF