Fresh Start Reentry Project

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.

Family ReEntry Inc. will support the Fresh Start Reentry Program. They will facilitate the transition of men from the Connecticut correctional system to the Greater Bridgeport community by establishing continuity between pre-release and post-release support services that are comprehensive and integrated. Fresh Start services include pre-release planning, post-release community support, housing, and creative employment solutions. The goals of the program are to reduce recidivism and create a replicable community-based reentry program model that can influence changes in Connecticut's reentry policies and practices. The program includes an intensive, longitudinal evaluation and process research study conducted by Yale University that evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the program and its impact on reducing recidivism.

NCA/NCF