Building a Community Reentry System

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.

Sullivan County will use the FY 2010 Second Chance Prisoner Reentry Initiative to support the Sullivan County Department of Corrections with their Community Reentry System. The goal of this initiative is to provide a full continuum of services through the local criminal justice system in Sullivan County. Inmates will participate in educational programs designed specifically to improve their ability to utilize family and community support to improve their relationaships and resource management skills. Inmates who participate will be evaluated pre and post participation by taking the Family Protective Factors Survey.

CA/NCF