Delaware's Reform and Recidivism Reduction Strategic Plan

The Second Chance Act of 2007 provides a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison, jail and returning to communities, including resources to address the myriad of needs of these offenders to achieve a successful return to their communities.

The goal of the Second Chance Act Statewide Recidivism Reduction Strategic Planning Program is to assist state teams in developing strategic plans that are comprehensive, collaborative and multi-systemic. These plans address the challenges posed by reentry through various policies and/or procedural practices that are essential to a supportive and successful transition from state correctional facilities to the community, thereby reducing the state’s recidivism rate and increasing public safety.

The goal of the recidivism reduction project and the Delaware Committee on Criminal Justice Reform is to create a seamless comprehensive evidence based strategy in the State. This project seeks a minimum 10% reduction in the recommitment rate of 50.4% within the first year of release to be considered successful. The project will ensure individuals get appropriate evidence based services required to facilitate a successful reintegration to the community. Grant funds will be used to hire a dedicated Reform Coordinator. Target population is 400 total high, medium high and moderate risk offenders over 18 both pre and post release prioritizing criminal thinking and reentry planning. Another goal of the project is to create uniform performance measures for reentry programs. The long term result would be that every individual released from custody will have the tools needed to succeed in the community.

CA/NCF