Statement of Position on
Criminal Justice Reform & Reentry

Our position aims to provide the necessary resources and support services to facilitate successful re-entry for individuals leaving incarceration. By addressing the education, employment, housing, healthcare, mental health, social support, and community engagement needs of formerly incarcerated individuals, this bill aims to promote their rehabilitation, reduce recidivism rates, and build safer and more inclusive communities.

 

Access to Education and Employment

• Education and Skills Training: Allocates funding to establish and expand educational programs, vocational training, and skills development initiatives for individuals during incarceration and after release. These programs aim to increase their employability and reduce barriers to re-entry.

• Job Training and Placement Programs: Supports the creation and expansion of job training programs that provide skills, mentorship, and career guidance to facilitate smooth transition and sustainable employment opportunities upon release.

• Ban the Box: Prohibits employers from inquiring about an individual's criminal history on initial job applications to ensure fair consideration based on qualifications and skills, allowing individuals a chance to present their abilities before their records are considered.

 

Housing and Stability Support

• Housing Programs: Establishes funding for transitional and affordable housing initiatives targeted at assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in securing stable housing. This includes partnerships with public and private sector organizations to provide safe and supportive housing options.

• Rental Assistance: Provides rental assistance programs to help individuals cover housing costs during the transition period, facilitating stability and reducing homelessness among the re-entry population.

• Expungement and Record Sealing: Expedites and expands the eligibility for expungement or record sealing, allowing individuals to rebuild their lives without unnecessary barriers to housing, employment, and education opportunities.

 

Health and Mental Health Services

• Continuity of Healthcare: Ensures that individuals leaving incarceration have access to necessary medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services, including continuity of medications and follow-up care.

• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs: Allocates funding for specialized mental health and substance abuse treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of individuals during re-entry, aimed at reducing recidivism rates and promoting overall well-being.

• Trauma-Informed Care: Supports the implementation of trauma-informed practices within correctional facilities and community-based service providers to address the underlying trauma experienced by individuals re-entering society.

 

Social Support and Community Engagement

• Peer Support and Mentoring Programs: Establishes mentorship and peer support programs, connecting individuals in re-entry with trained volunteers to provide guidance, advocacy, and assistance in navigating challenges they may face.

• Community Reintegration Programs: Promotes the development of comprehensive community reintegration initiatives, including counseling, life skills training, and connections to supportive community resources to facilitate successful re-entry.

• Family Reunification Support: Provides resources and services to support the restoration and strengthening of family relationships, recognizing the essential role families play in re-entry success and reducing recidivism.

 

Re-Entry Task Forces and Collaboration

• Re-Entry Task Forces: Establishes task forces comprising government agencies, non-profit organizations, community representatives, and experts to ensure effective coordination and implementation of re-entry support and services at local, state, and federal levels.

• Collaboration with Community-Based Organizations: Encourages collaboration with community-based organizations, faith-based groups, and non-profit entities that have expertise in re-entry support, fostering partnerships to enhance resources and expand the reach of successful programs.