Prison Reentry Initiative Enhancement

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The city of New Haven will use $500,000 in FY 2010 Congressionally Recommended Awards funds to support and expand its Prison Reentry Initiative. Over the next three years, the Reentry Initiative plans to enhance and expand its Community Empowerment Program, build a comprehensive pre-release and transitional strategy for re-entry through the creation of Community Transition Teams, and work with Yale Law School to establish a new Community Reentry Clinic. Comprehensive data collection covering quantitative and qualitative outcomes will document the effectiveness of staff and programming efforts in bringing about positive transformation among individuals, families and communities served. The Community Transition Teams' objective will be to engage individuals through pre-release contact by community providers as well as post-release collaboration among government agencies and community organizations. The second and third years of funding for the Community Organizer position will enable the Community Organizer to assist the Reentry Coordinator in establishing the Community Transition Teams as well as to expand and enhance the Community Empowerment Project. The contracts, awarded through a competitive process, fund the creation and support of community based programming in service areas including substance abuse support groups, peer mentoring programs, support for families impacted by incarceration, and programs to train, educate, and place ex-offenders in stable employment.

NCA/NCF