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2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">More Governors Form Statewide Reentry Task Forces</a> In recent months, governors in at least four states - Delaware, North Carolina, Kentucky and South Dakota - established statewide task forces to tackle issues associated with the growing numbers of adults released from prison and returning to communities. In each case, the governors cited continually increasing corrections costs as a reason for establishing the task forces. To read the full feature, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/more_governors_form" target=newwindow">click here.</a> <hr /> <h4>Two Reports Funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts' Public Safety Performance Project Highlight Efforts by States to Reduce Corrections Spending</h4> According to the report by the Vera Institute, "All but two states are dealing with budget deficits, and spending is being cut across the board. Second only to Medicaid, corrections has become the fastest growing general fund expenditure in the United States. Considered off limits for many years, corrections budgets are now subject to these same cuts. Based on a survey of enacted FY2010 state budgets and other recent sentencing and corrections legislation, this new report from Vera's Center on Sentencing and Corrections found that at least 22 states have reversed the trend of recent decades and cut funding for corrections. This report examines the form of these cuts, including reductions in operational costs, reforms in release policy, and strategies for reducing recidivism, and it highlights some of the innovations that states are pursuing for long-term savings while also maintaining public safety." To read the report, <a href="http://www.vera.org/content/fiscal-crisis-corrections-rethinking-policies-and-practices"target="new window">click here</a>. The National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) in conjunction with their Criminal Justice Program released a publication examining the efficacy of prison-based programs that are designed to increase the likelihood that individuals will be successful when they reenter the community. The NCSL found that "earned time" programs (e.g., education and work programs) have been successfully implemented in 31 states. According to the report, the economic gains have been impressive. New York enrolled 24,000 participants in "earned time" programs which saved approximately $369 million in only six months, while the state of Washington saw a net gain of $7,179 per participating individual when they increased the required amount of "earned time" participation. To read the report, <a href="http://www.ncsl.org/Portals/1/Documents/cj/Earned_time_report.pdf"target="new window">click here</a>. <hr /> <h4>National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) Advocates for Collateral Consequences of Conviction Reform</h4> On July 15, 2009, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) of The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws approved support for a Uniform Collateral Consequences of Conviction Act to encourage states to clarify the collateral consequences associated with criminal convictions. The Act suggests all of the collateral sanctions and disqualifications contained in State statutes or administrative regulations should be retrievable from a single document. To read the press release announcing the act, <a href="http://www.nccusl.org/Update/DesktopModules/NewsDisplay.aspx?ItemID=217"target="new window">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> House of Representatives Approves $108 Million for Reentry Programs for FY 2010 On Friday, July 24, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor and Health & Human Services that provides $108,493,000 for ex-offender activities under the Second Chance Act and Workforce Investment Act. The bill also provides $1 billion for mental health services programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is an increase of $39 million over FY2009, and $2.4 billion for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs administered by SAMHSA, which is an increase of $46 million over FY2009. On Thursday, July 30, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a version of the Labor-HHS appropriations bill that provides $115,000,000 for ex-offender activities in the Department of Labor, $998 million for SAMHSA's mental health services programs, and $2.4 billion for SAMHSA's substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.The Labor-HHS appropriations bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. On Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an appropriations bill for the Department of Justice for fiscal year 2010 that provides $64 million for prisoner reentry, including $50 million for Second Chance Act programs and nearly $14 million for reentry initiatives in the federal Bureau of Prisons. The version of the bill that passed the House of Representatives in June provides $114 million for prisoner reentry, including $100 million for Second Chance Act programs. The Department of Justice appropriations bill is also awaiting consideration by the full Senate. For more information, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/house_of_representatives"target="new window">click here</a>. <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.appa-net.org/Institutes/2009_anaheim/attendee/"target="new window">34th Annual Training Institute</a></h4> The American Probation and Parole Association August 23 - 26, 2009 Anaheim, CA <h4><a href="http://www.aja.org/aja/training/Training PDF-2009/Mentally Ill- Aug 24.pdf"target="new window">Dealing with the Mentally Ill Offender</a></h4> The American Jail Association August 24 - 26, 2009 Arlington, VA <h4><a href="http://www.theiacpconference.org/" target="newwindow">116th Annual IACP Conference and Exposition</a></h4> International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) October 3 - 7, 2009 Denver, CO <h4><a href="http://www.capaassociation.org/npre_conference_register.htm"target="newwindow">National Prisoner Re-entry Conference 2009</a></h4> Christian Association for Prison Aftercare (CAPA) October 15 - 18, 2009 Baltimore, MD <h4><a href="http://members.mcpsupport.com/training/Pages/eventcalendar.aspx"target="newwindow">MCP Support Center Tribal Training 2009</a></h4> Mentoring Children of Prisoners (MCP) Support Center September 17, 2009 Albuquerque, NM <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.cepp.com/documents/TPC Application Kit.pdf" target="newwindow">Transition from Prison to Community Initiative</a></h4> The National Institute of Corrections is offering technical assistance through the Transition from Prison to Community (TPC) Initiative. Six states will be awarded three years of assistance in an effort to, "reduce recidivism and future victimization, to enhance public safety, and to improve the lives of communities, victims, and offenders." A state's key correctional officers and administrators, along with their collaborative partnerships are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a strong commitment to implementing successful reentry programs, and exhibit commitment, knowledge, and understanding of the TPC plan and philosophy. For an overview of this program, <a href="http://www.nicic.gov/TPCModel"target="new window">click here.</a> Application deadline: August 17, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.tdbanknorth.com/community/housing_grant_competition.html" target="newwindow">Housing for Everyone</a></h4> The TD Charitable Foundation will be awarding a total of $2,000,000 in this year's Housing for Everyone competition. The competition focuses on housing stabilization, and will fund the most innovative plans that help maintain and protect the integrity of neighborhoods from deterioration caused by foreclosure and abandonment. Eligibility qualifications differ by state. Application Deadline: September 4, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=1XF0KxyLWsfwrys4GQmGQlP8mPxvh4M22Gl8G1WpTfjJXkCv1BL6!1656926990?mod e=AGENCYSEARCH&agency=HUD" target="newwindow">Fair Housing Initiative Award Program</a></h4> The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that approximately $26,300,000 in FY2009 funds have been made available to support the following three initiatives within the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP): the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=hXnSKxnT6LP1GG147yLsPn6M1KKZML0TchDk01Vn8vNM8w9XxfrW!1656926990?oppId =48727&mode=VIEW"target="new window">Private Enforcement Initiative</a>; the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=hXnSKxnT6LP1GG147yLsPn6M1KKZML0TchDk01Vn8vNM8w9XxfrW!1656926990?oppId =48729&mode=VIEW"target="new window">Education and Outreach Initiative</a>; and the <a href="http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=hXnSKxnT6LP1GG147yLsPn6M1KKZML0TchDk01Vn8vNM8w9XxfrW!1656926990?oppId =48728&mode=VIEW"target="new window">Fair Housing Organizations Initiative</a>. Private nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations and other nonprofit organizations that are "building their capacity to provide fair housing enforcement" may qualify. Application Deadline: September 18, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/funding/appl_kit.html"target="new window">Weed and Seed Communities Competitive Program</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice will award competitive grants of up to $150,000 to Weed and Seed Communities to support efforts to fight crime, drugs and gangs. The Justice Department's Community Capacity Development Office's <a href="http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=47357"target="new window">FY 10 Weed and Seed Communities Competitive Program</a> provides discretionary grant funding to nonprofits and government agencies in communities that were not previously approved Weed and Seed sites but have been so designated by Congress. Application Deadline: December 1, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>U.S.: 8/11/09 - <a href="http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=418338"target="new window">At least 23 states spend less on prisons</a> (Stateline.org) "The national recession is taking its toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state governments: prisons." <li>Wis.: 8/10/09 - <a href="http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/461360" target="newwindow">Life after doing time: program aims to help ex-cons on journey home</a> (Wisconsin State Journal)</li> "The Journey Home project, funded by the United Way of Dane County and run by Madison-area Urban Ministry, seeks to help former prisoners find work, secure housing, go back to school and get drug, alcohol or mental health treatment." <li>Ohio: 8/9/09 - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/us/10juvenile.html?_r=1&emc=eta1" target="newwindow">Mentally ill offenders strain juvenile system</a> (New York Times)</li> "As cash-starved states slash mental health programs in communities and schools, they are increasingly relying on the juvenile corrections system to handle a generation of young offenders with psychiatric disorders." <li>Pa.: 8/9/09 - <a href="http://www.recordsearchlight.com/news/2009/aug/09/revolving-jail-door-is-only-turning-faster/"target="new window">Revolving jail door is only turning faster</a> (The Redding Record Searchlight) "The budget crisis and a catastrophically broken system will put the public at risk without serious reform" <li>Ga.: 8/6/09 - <a href="http://www.economist.com/displayStory.cfm?story_id=14164614&source=most_commented" target="newwindow">Sex laws: unjust and ineffective</a> (The Economist)</li> "Every American state keeps a register of sex offenders. California has had one since 1947, but most states started theirs in the 1990s. Many people assume that anyone listed on a sex-offender registry must be a rapist or a child molester. But most states spread the net much more widely." <li>Tenn.: 8/7/09 - <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20090807/NEWS0201/908070364/-1/RSS05"target="new window">Tennessee to cut prison population by 3,000</a> (The Tennessean)</li> "The Tennessee Department of Correction will reduce the state's prison population by 3,000 over the next two years, focusing on keeping low-risk offenders from going back to jail, as a way to cope with an ongoing budget crunch." <li> Iowa: 8/6/09 - <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090806/NEWS10/908060361"target="new window">New law creating 'exclusion zones' for ex-offenders shows value</a> (The Des Moines Register) "Law enforcement officers around the state are welcoming new provisions in the sex offender statutes that allow them to arrest convicted sex offenders who enter zones near places where children are typically present, such as schools, playgrounds and swimming pools." <li>Mich.: 8/6/09 - <a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20090806/OPINION01/908060311/Parolee-hysteria-threatens-rehab-efforts"target="new window">Hysteria over parolees threatens rehab efforts</a> (The Detroit Free Press) "Fearmongering and hysteria threaten to take Michigan back to the failed lock-'em-up-'till-they-drop prison policies of the last three decades." <li>Minn.: 8/6/09 - <a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/08/05/new-law-restrictions/"target="new window">Students with criminal past to be told which careers are off limits</a> (Minnesota Public Radio) "Under a new law, schools have to tell students that if they have criminal convictions, they should check to make sure those convictiones don't bar them from getting internships, degrees or even particular jobs." <li>Cal.: 8/5/09 - <a href="http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_12998912"target="new window">California's budget woes hinder proposal intended to help ex-cons</a> (The San Bernardino County Sun) "A Cal State San Bernardino professor leading an effort to establish a new program to help ex-prisoners merge back into society said the state's budget problems are whittling down the proposal." </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://datacenter.kidscount.org/databook/2009/Default.aspx" target="newwindow">2009 Kids Count Data Book</a> (The Annie E. Casey Foundation)</li> <li><a href="http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR687/?ref=homepage&key=t_prison_parole" target="newwindow">Understanding the Public Health Implications of Prisoner Reentry in California</a> (Rand Corporation)</li> <li><a href="http://www.reentry.net/ny/search/download.149254" target="newwindow">An Affordable Home on re-entry, Federally Assisted Housing and Previously Incarcerated Individuals</a> (National Housing Law Project)</li> <li><a href="http://www.justicepolicy.org/content-hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=84.htm" target="newwindow">Pruning Prisons: How Cutting Corrections Can Save Money and Protect Public Safety</a> (Justice Policy Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.manhattan-institute.org/pdf/cr_57.pdf" target="newwindow">Preparing Prisoners for Employment: The Power of Small Rewards </a> (The Manhattan Institute)</li> </ul> Newsletters 23004 Courts, Corrections

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">CSG Justice Center Works with Policymakers to Improve Assessment and Collection of Court-Ordered Fines, Fees, Restitution, and Child Support</a> Struggling with budget gaps, policymakers in state and local government have taken steps to generate additional revenue through the assessment and collection of fines, fees, and surcharges for people involved in the criminal justice system. In many states and counties, elected officials have added or raised fees associated with a wide range of criminal justice system operations, including court processing and electronic monitoring. Counties are also increasingly moving to pass along to the person incarcerated the costs of meals and/or medical services. But such efforts can have unintended consequences. The CSG Justice Center is conducting a project to improve how state and local officials design and implement policies that aim to increase revenues through the assessment and collection of court-ordered fines and fees. To read the full feature, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/CSG_justice_center_works_"target=newwindow">click here.</a> <hr /> <h4>Justice Center Staff Works with State Agencies and Community and Faith-Based Organizations in Ohio to Promote Collaboration around Reentry</h4> Justice Center staff recently traveled to Ohio to pilot test a companion tool to the Reentry Partnerships guide and to promote the guide and its recommendations at a national reentry conference. The guide, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/content_pages/reentry_partnerships_pubs_tools"target="new window">Reentry Partnerships: A Guide for State & Faith-Based and Community Organizations,</a> was released in December 2008 with the support of the <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/"target="new window">Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice</a> and the <a href="http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/"target="new window">Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, U.S. Department of Labor.</a> It offers practical recommendations for how state government officials and community-based service providers can better use limited resources to help people released from prisons and jails successfully rejoin families and communities. To read more about the Justice Center's work promoting collaboration between community and faith-based organizations in Ohio, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/Justice_center_staff_works_"target=newwindow">click here.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> House of Representatives Approves $100 million for Second Chance Act for FY 2010 On Thursday, June 18, 2009, the House of Representatives approved an appropriations bill for the Department of Justice for fiscal year 2010 that provides $114 million for prisoner reentry, including $100 million for Second Chance Act programs and nearly $14 million for reentry initiatives in the federal Bureau of Prisons. The bill must also be passed by the Senate before it can be signed by the President. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies is scheduled to consider the bill the week of June 22. In May, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/House_CJS_Letter.pdf"target=newwindow">60 Representatives</a> and <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/Senate_CJS_Letter.pdf"target=newwindow">32 Senators</a> submitted letters to the Appropriations Subcommittees on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to request funding for the Second Chance Act in fiscal year 2010. The President's budget includes $100 million for the Second Chance Act and prisoner reentry grants within the Department of Justice, up from $25 million in FY2009. The President's budget also includes $112 million for prisoner reentry programs within the Department of Labor, up from $74 million in FY09. To read more about the President's budget, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/Federal_Criminal_Justice_Funding.pdf">click here.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=724860"target="newwindow">Know Your Rights Web Series</a></h4> Legal Action Center June - August 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.vera.org/?q=events/justice-address-2009" target="newwindow">Annual Justice Address, U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.</a></h4> Vera Institute of Justice July 9, 2009 New York, N.Y. <h4><a href="http://registration.hudhre.info/hprp/training.nsf/content/index.html" target="newwindow">Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) Trainings</a></h4> U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development New York, N.Y., June 24 -25, 2009 Washington, D.C., July 8-10, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=2009194E"target="newwindow">National Conference on Ending Homelessness</a></h4> National Alliance to End Homelessness July 29-31, 2009 Washington, D.C. <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000882.pdf" target="newwindow">Advancing Criminal Justice Policy, Practice, and Technology</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding specific projects and activities to advance criminal justice policy, practice, and/or technology. NIJ seeks applications for funding of specific innovative, high-payoff projects and activities fostering the adoption into practice of new, cutting-edge policy, practice, and/or technology related to courts, crime and crime prevention, drugs and crime, forensic sciences, law enforcement, relevant technology and tools, and victims and victimization. Application Deadline: July 6, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.ovc.gov/fund/pdftxt/FY09_Professional_Fellowship.pdf" target="newwindow">Victim Assistance Professional Development Fellowship Program</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), is seeking applications for funding under the Victim Assistance Professional Development Fellowship Program. This program furthers the Department's mission by supporting the activities of four fellowship positions to assist OVC in its mission to advance victims' rights and services through training, technical assistance and public awareness activities. Applicants are limited to individuals; organizations are not eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate a specific ability and strong desire to support the technical assistance, training and other educational needs of providers who respond to crime victims. Application Deadline: July 9, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000884.pdf" target="newwindow">Building and Enhancing Criminal Justice Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice is seeking applications for funding to support criminal justice researcher-practitioner collaborations. This solicitation is aimed at developing existing partnerships, establishing new partnerships, and capturing significant lessons that have been learned through past and current researcher-practitioner partnerships. This program furthers the Department's mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels. Application Deadline: July 20, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>Mo.: 6/21/09 - <a href="http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2009/jun/21/parolees-face-challenges-paying-child-support/?local" target="newwindow">Parolees face challenges paying child support</a> (The News-Press)</li> <li>Md: 6/21/09 - <a href="http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=91698" target="newwindow">Father's Day without Dad</a> (The Frederick News-Post)</li> <li>Pa.: 6/15/09 - <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09166/977464-455.stm" target="newwindow">Program offers help to addicts</a> (The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)</li> <li>R.I.: 6/13/09 - <a href="http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/06-13-2009/0005043343&EDATE=">Cities Mobilize Departments, Public and Private Agencies to Ease Reentry of Prisoners</a> (The PR Newswire)</li> <li>US: 5/16/09 - <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0515/p25s10-usgn.html" target="newwindow">Cash-strapped jails begin charging inmates for snacks - even room and board</a> (The Christian Science Monitor)</li> </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411791_public_safety_first.pdf" target="newwindow">Putting Public Safety First: 13 Parole Supervision Strategies to Enhance Reentry Outcomes</a> (The Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.reentry.net/ny/search/attachment.147968" target="newwindow">Financial Consequences of Conviction</a> (Fordham University School of Law, The Feerick Center for Social Justice)</li> <li><a href="http://www.wpaonline.org/pdf/Mothers Infants and Imprisonment 2009.pdf" target="newwindow">Mothers, Infants and Imprisonment</a> (Women's Prison Association)</li> <li><a href="http://www.justicepolicy.org/content-hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=83.htm" target="newwindow">The Costs of Confinement: Why Good Juvenile Justice Policies Make Good Fiscal Sense</a> (Justice Policy Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.mdrc.org/publications/514/full.pdf" target="newwindow">Getting Back on Track: Effects of a Community College Program for Probationary Students </a> (MDRC)</li> </ul> Newsletters 22795

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Texas Justice Reinvestment Policies Reduce Corrections Spending and Strengthen Supervision</a> The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center released a new report, "Justice Reinvestment in Texas: Assessing the Impact of the 2007 Justice Reinvestment Initiative," that finds the justice reinvestment policies enacted in 2007 by the Texas legislature are averting state prison population growth and increasing public safety. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/texas_justice_reinvestment_">Read the full story</a> <hr /> Transition from Jail to Community (TJC) Solicitation The National Institute of Corrections and the Urban Institute announce solicitations for four new "Transition from Jail to Community (TJC) Initiative" sites. To learn more about this opportunity, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/transition_from_jail">click here.</a> <hr /> John Jay College of Criminal Justice Conducting Survey to Assess Interest in Prisoner Reentry Course The Prisoner Reentry Institute (PRI) at John Jay College of Criminal Justice has constructed a survey to assess individuals' interest in a certificate course or program on issues related to prisoner reentry. The link to the survey is provided below. PRI asks for responses that can assist them in determining the demand and need for reentry skill development, and to help them develop a course or program that meets the field's needs. The voluntary survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. To take the survey, please <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2IEi2s5KpSMfA8J4mDrYjA_3d_3d">click here.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> House Appropriations Subcommittee Holds Hearings On Prisoner Reentry During the week of March 9, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science held seven hearings focusing on prisoner reentry issues that reflect Capitol Hill's high level of interest in safe and successful reintegration. Congressman Allan Mollohan (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee, conducted the hearings with ranking member Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA). "It is becoming more and more apparent that effective reentry programs are the key to reducing recidivism and the strains on our communities and prison resources associated with recidivism," said Chairman Allan Mollohan. Mollohan added that the Second Chance Act was a good starting point for dealing with substance abuse issues in prisons. "Over the last two months, the Commerce, Justice, and Science subcommittee has held some of the best hearings on corrections reform and prisoner reentry that I have participated in during my time in Congress. We have heard from a number of witnesses about innovative state and local programs, including the Pew-CSG Justice Center effort, and I firmly believe we must focuses on sharing and replicating best practices nationally," said Congressman Wolf. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/house_appropriations_subcommittee">Read the full announcement.</a> <hr /> Second Chance Act The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, will soon release solicitations for Second Chance Act grants for reentry demonstration projects targeting youth (under Section 101) and grants to nonprofit organizations for mentoring and other transitional services (under Section 211). The Justice Center will send out updates as soon as those solicitations are released. <ul> <li>For more information about the Second Chance Act grant programs, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act">click here.</a> <li>For an updated fact sheet about the mentoring grants to nonprofit organizations, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/SCA_mentoring_grants.pdf">click here.</a> </ul> Congress is now working on the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2010. In his preliminary budget for fiscal year 2010, President Obama requested $109 million for prisoner reentry programs, including $75 million for Second Chance Act programs. This month, 60 House Members, and 270 organizations from around the country, have submitted letters to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies to request full funding for the Second Chance Act in fiscal year 2010. Members of the Senate are now working on a letter requesting funding for the Second Chance Act to submit to their appropriators in May 2009. <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/released/"target="newwindow">The Released</a> Frontline (PBS) April 28, 2009, 9 P.M. EST <a href="http://www.communityvoices.org/freedomsvoice/agenda.html" target="newwindow">2009 Community Voices Freedom's Voice Conference: Strengthening Families During Incarceration and Homecoming</a> Healthcare for the Underserved of Morehouse School of Medicine April 30-May 1, 2009 Atlanta, Ga. <a href="http://powernetofdayton.org/pnt/index.php?option=com_ckforms&view=ckforms&id=1&Itemid=88" target="newwindow">The 2009 Raising the Bar, Ex-Offender Reentry Conference: Building Bridges by Breaking Stereotypes</a> PowerNet of Dayton April 30-May 2, 2009 Dayton, Ohio *Justice Center staff will be conducting a workshop on the Second Chance Act at this conference on Friday, May 1, at 8:30 A.M. <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/Spring 2009 Occ Series Save the Date Flyer_Dec 08.pdf"target="newwindow">Occasional Series on Reentry Research: The Impact of Incarceration on Future Criminal Behavior</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice May 1, 2009 New York, N.Y. <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2009/sm_09_004.aspx#docs" target="newwindow">Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery Program--Priority to Veterans</a></h4> The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services is accepting applications for the 2009 fiscal year for the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery Program - Priority to Veterans grants. The purpose of this program is to support local implementation and state or Tribewide expansion of trauma-integrated jail diversion programs to address the needs of individuals with mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma-related disorders involved in the justice system. In recognition of the dramatically higher prevalence of trauma-related illnesses among veterans, this program will prioritize eligibility for veterans. Application Deadline: April 28, 2009 <h4><a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2009-ACF-OCSE-FD-0013.html" target="newwindow">Section 1115 Demonstration Grants - Projects in Support of the Prisoner Reentry Initiative</a></h4> The Administration for Children and Families Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) invites a limited number of State IV-D agencies to submit proposals for the jurisdictions in their states that are sites for Prisoner Reentry Initiative projects funded through the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Labor. The OCSE grants are designed to help develop systematic approaches to addressing and resolving as many child support case issues as possible so that the parents with criminal records are able to meet their child support obligations and custodial parents can depend on child support to care for their children. Application Deadline: May 4, 2009 <h4><a href="http://samhsa.gov/Grants/2009/ti_09_003.pdf" target="newwindow">Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity for Adult Drug Courts</a></h4> The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment is accepting applications for fiscal year 2009 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult Drug Courts. The purpose of this program is to expand and/or enhance substance abuse treatment services in "problem solving" courts which use the treatment drug court model in order to provide alcohol and drug treatment, recovery support services supporting substance abuse treatment, screening, assessment, case management, and program coordination to defendants/offenders. Application Deadline: May 8, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>FL: 4/20/09 <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2009-04-19-tony-dungy-cover_N.htm" target="newwindow">Reaching out, lifting up: Prison ministry now Dungy's priority</a> (USA Today)</li> <li>IN: 4/19/09 - <a href="http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009904190395" target="newwindow">Weak job market tough on ex-offenders</a> (Indianapolis Star)</li> <li>FL: 4/19/09 - <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/sfl-sex-offenders-mayocol-b04190sbapr19,0,4324410.column" target="newwindow">Tougher laws leave sex offenders with no options</a> (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)</li> <li>WI: 4/19/09 - <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/43200412.html" target="newwindow">Being smarter about who goes to prison</a> (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</li> <li>PA: 4/17/09 - <a href="http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/236394" target="newwindow">Out of prison, but not out of options</a> (Lancaster Intelligencer Journal)</li> </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li>The Center for Sex Offender Management (CSOM) recently released four publications. To access these documents, <a href="http://www.csom.org/whatsnew/new.html" target="newwindow">click here.</a> <li><a href="http://www.nhlp.org/" target="newwindow">An Affordable Home on Reentry</a> (National Housing Law Project)</li> <li><a href="http://www.correctionalassociation.org/publications/download/pvp/issue_reports/Healthcare_Report_2004-07.pdf" target="newwindow">Healthcare in New York Prisons, 2004-2007</a> (The Correctional Association of New York) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://brennan.3cdn.net/fbee4fbc0086ec8804_4tm6bp6oa.pdf" target="newwindow">Maryland's Parole Supervision Fee: A Barrier to Reentry</a> (Brennan Center for Justice) - pdf</li> *For a related Justice Center publication, see <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/1688;file" target="newwindow">Repaying Debts,</a> A publication about how policymakers can increase accountability among people who commit crimes, improve rates of child support collection and victim restitution, and make people's transition from prisons and jails to the community safe and successful - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.clasp.org/publications/tanf_efc_qanda0409.pdf" target="newwindow">Questions and Answers about the TANF Emergency Fund</a> (Center for Law and Social Policy) - pdf</li> </ul> Newsletters 22674

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Solicitation for Second Chance Act Grants to State and Local Governments Released Today</a> On February 27, 2009, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, released the solicitation for Second Chance Act grants to state and local governments for adult reentry demonstration projects (Section 101). Funding under this section is available to help state and local agencies implement programs and strategies to reduce recidivism and ensure the safe and successful reentry of adults released from prisons and jails. To download the solicitation, or find out more about the grant program, <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/SecondChance.html">click here</a> The deadline for applications is 8:00 p.m. e.t. on April 20, 2009. Inquiries about the solicitation should be directed to Gary L. Dennis, Senior Policy Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance at 202-305-9059 or <a href="mailto:gary.dennis@usdoj.gov">gary.dennis@usdoj.gov</a>. For more information about downloading the solicitation, applicant eligibility requirements, instructions on registering for the online grant application system, and other application materials, <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09SecondChanceReentrySol.pdf">click here</a> The solicitation for the nonprofit grants (Section 211) will be released by BJA at a later date. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) will issue a separate solicitation in the coming weeks for Juvenile Demonstration Project grants for state and local governments and Indian tribes. <hr /> Coming soon: The Justice Center’s Second Chance Act Toolkit The Council of State Governments Justice Center is working with its reentry partners to develop a toolkit to help potential applicants. This toolkit will include a number of useful materials: <ol><li>A checklist that will help state and local governments meet application requirements <li>FAQs about the Second Chance Act and Section 101 <li>Fact sheets about the grant programs authorized by Section 101, Section 211, and Section 212 of the Second Chance Act <li>A resource guide listing other publications, reports, and tools that may be helpful in developing a successful reentry initiative </ul></ol> This toolkit will be available in the coming weeks on the <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act"> Reentry Policy Council website</a>. The Justice Center also is planning a series of webinars to help potential applications understand the solicitation for Second Chance Act grants and answer common questions. The dates and times for these webinars will be released in an upcoming announcement. To sign up for the Reentry Policy Council listserv to receive announcements about SCA and reentry resources developed by the Justice Center, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/subscribe" >click here</a>. <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> U.S. House of Representatives Approves Over $133 Million for Prisoner Reentry in FY 2009, including $25 Million for the Second Chance Act On February 25, 2009, the House of Representatives passed an omnibus appropriations bill for the remainder of fiscal year 2009, which includes funding for the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The omnibus bill (H.R. 1105) is now under consideration in the Senate. Democratic leaders hope to take action on this bill by the end of next week, as the continuing resolution currently providing funding expires on March 6, 2009. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/US_house_of_reps">Read the full story</a> The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 On February 17, 2009, the President signed into law H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This stimulus bill provides nearly $4 billion for criminal justice grant programs. To read more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/the_american_recovery_">click here</a> President Obama Requests $75 Million for the Second Chance Act in FY 2010 In the <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/assets/fy2010_new_era/Department_of_Justice.pdf">preliminary budget for fiscal year 2010</a> released on February 26, 2009, President Obama requested $109 million for prisoner reentry programs, including $75 million for Second Chance Act programs. “I am indeed pleased that the President’s proposed budget includes $75 million for Second Chance and I applaud him,” said Second Chance Act sponsor Rep. Danny Davis (IL). “This investment of $75 million will bring tremendous returns. However, throughout the budget and appropriation processes, I shall be advocating and working for more.” For more information about the Second Chance Act, visit the <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act">Reentry Policy Council website.</a> Sign Letter to Support SCA Funding</a> A national reentry working group is leading the effort to secure funding for the Second Chance Act for fiscal year 2010, which begins on October 1, 2009. The working group is circulating a <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/Working_Group_CJS_Letter_2_27.pdf">sign-on letter</a> asking Congress to fund Second Chance Act programs in FY2010. “We have all worked so hard to get this legislation passed, but we know it will not accomplish what it is intended to do without sufficient funding. We must encourage policy makers to appropriate the needed funds,” said working group member Jane Browning of the International Community Corrections Association. According to fellow working group member Gene Guerrero of the Open Society Policy Center, "it is important for organizations that support the Second Chance Act and federal funding for reentry programs to sign this letter of support." Organizations that want to sign the letters should email <a href="mailto:scainfo@csg.org">scainfo@csg.org</a> by March 13. <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/crime_summit_flyer.pdf">Smart on Crime Policies: Increase Public Safety, Reduce Costs, and Improve Lives</a> Hosted by the Hon. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA),Chair, House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security March 3, 2009 Washington, DC <a href="http://www.urban.org/events/FirstTuesdays/rsvp.cfm" target="newwindow">First Tuesdays Forum: Forensic Failure: Case Reopened</a> The Urban Institute March 3, 2009 Washington, DC <a href="http://www.cepp.com/whatsnew.htm" target="newwindow">Community Safety Through Successful Offender Reentry, A Training Opportunity</a> Center for Effective Public Policy Applications due March 16, 2009 <a href="http://www.powernetofdayton.org/pnt/index.php?option=com_ckforms&view=ckforms&id=1&Itemid=88" target="newwindow">The 2009 Raising the Bar, Ex-Offender Reentry Conference, Building Bridges by Breaking Stereotypes</a> PowerNet of Dayton April 30, 2009 Dayton, OH <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09SecondChanceReentrySol.pdf" target="newwindow"> Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative </a></h4> The Second Chance Act will help ensure the transition individuals make from prison or jail to the community is safe and successful. Section 101 provides grants to state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes that may be used for demonstration projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated. Application Deadline: April 20, 2009 </div> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09JMHCPsol.pdf" target="newwindow"> Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program</a></h4> The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program seeks to increase public safety through innovative cross-system collaboration for individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking joint justice and mental health applications from eligible applicants to plan, implement, or expand a justice and mental health collaboration program. Application Deadline: March 12, 2009 </div> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09IASAPsol.pdf" target="newwindow"> Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (IASAP)</a></h4> The Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program (IASAP), administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), provides funding and technical assistance to federally recognized tribal governments to plan, implement, or enhance tribal justice strategies to address crime issues related to alcohol and substance abuse. Priority will be placed on law enforcement-led strategies which focus on controlling and preventing alcohol and substance abuse in Indian Country. Application Deadline: March 12, 2009 </div> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09DrugCourtTrainingSol.pdf" target="newwindow"> Adult Drug Court Planning and Training</a></h4> The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Adult Drug Court Planning and Training Program supports the Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program (42 U.S.C. 3797u et seq.), which assists communities to develop effective drug court strategies for nonviolent1 substance-abusing offenders through two components. The first component, the Adult Drug Court Initiative, assists jurisdictions in the planning and development of new drug court programs; the second component, the Adult Drug Court Training Initiative, offers a menu of training options to access and incorporate into local, regional and, statewide drug court training events. Application Deadline: March 26, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>FL: 2/6/09 <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5id68W2BmlHadBf2-tXmS-zXvjueQD96CQ0F81" target="newwindow">Ex-inmates hope for help after leaving prison</a> (The Associated Press)</li> <li>CA: 2/22/09 <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-catania22-2009feb22,0,7098709.story" target="newwindow">The traps of early release</a> (LA Times)</li> <li>TX: 2/22/09 <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/state/More_juvenile_offenders_landing_in_actual_prison_.html" target="newwindow">More juvenile offenders landing in actual prison</a> (San Antonio Express News)</li> <li>NE:2/23/09 <a href="http://new.khastv.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=16347&storytopic=4" target="newwindow">Hastings center helps ex-prisoners return to society</a> (KHAS-TV, Hastings)</li> <li>WA: 2/23/09 <a href="http://www.theolympian.com/opinion/story/766076.html" target="newwindow">Level of supervision doesn't alter recidivism</a> (The Olympian)</li> </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ncwd-youth.info/assets/juvenile_justice/10301_yj.pdf" target="newwindow"> Making the Right Turn: A Guide about Improving Transition Outcomes for Youth Involved in the Juvenile Corrections System</a> (National Collaborative on Workforce & Disability for Youth Institute for Educational Leadership)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publication.asp?sectionid=25&search_id=&publication_id=265&section_id=22"newwindow">Mentoring Formerly Incarcerated Adults: Insights from the Ready4Work Reentry Initiative </a> (Public/Private Ventures))</li> <li><a href="http://www.aecf.org/~/media/PublicationFiles/Housing primer_rfw.pdf" target="newwindow">Federal Programs for Addressing Low-Income Housing Needs</a> (Annie E. Casey Foundation)</li> Newsletters 22646

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">CSG Justice Center Provides Michigan Policymakers with Options to Reduce Corrections Spending and Reinvest in Reducing Crime</a> Lansing--The Council of State Governments Justice Center joined Michigan’s leaders to release the results of an unprecedented review of crime and corrections data to determine how the state might reduce corrections spending while reinvesting in measures that will make communities safer and stronger. This work was supported by the Public Safety Performance Project of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Center on the States; the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice; and the state. <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/media/press_releases"> Read the press release </a> <a href="http://justicereinvestment.org/states/michigan/pubmaps-mi"> Read the report </a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none"> HILL UPDATE</a></h3> Congress is continuing to work on an omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2009 and has started working on the spending bills for Fiscal Year 2010. The Second Chance Act is expected to receive funding in both bills, but the level of funding has not been determined. The Department of Justice is scheduled to release the solicitation for the Second Chance Act <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/understanding_sca;file"> grants to state and local government (sec.101)</a> on March 23, 2009, with applications due by May 21, 2009. The solicitation for <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/jcpublications/SCA_mentoring_grants;file"> grants to nonprofit organizations (sec. 211)</a> is expected to be released later this spring as well. To help potential applicants prepare for the release of the solicitations, the Justice Center has prepared fact sheets on the state and local grant program and the nonprofit program based on the requirements contained in the Second Chance Act statute. To learn more about the grants to state and local government, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/understanding_sca;file"> click here.</a> To learn more about the grants to nonprofit organizations for mentoring and other transitional programs, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/jcpublications/SCA_mentoring_grants;file"> click here.</a> For more information about the Second Chance Act, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act"> click here.</a> <hr /> CSG Justice Center Releases Preview of Employment Blueprint The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, with support from the Department of Labor, recently released A Sneak Peek: Advice for State Policymakers on Designing Strategies That Improve Employment Outcomes and Increase Public Safety. This concise bulletin provides a preview of an upcoming blueprint, which will be made available with additional support from the Joyce Foundation, on how to promote employment opportunities for people returning from prison or jail and others in neighborhoods that struggle with high crime, poverty, and substance abuse. To view the Sneak Peek bulletin, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/files/Employment_Bulletin_v2.pdf/"> click here.</a> <hr /> PEW Center on the States, Public Safety Performance Project, releases Policy Framework to Strengthen Community Corrections During 2008, the Public Safety Performance Project of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Center on the States brought together leading policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to discuss community corrections. From these conversations emerged a package of policy-level actions for state legislators and executives. The measures included in this report are part of the initial framework; others may be added as state and local leaders continue to innovate. To view the report, <a href="http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/Policy Framework.pdf"> click here.</a> <hr /> The Journal of the American Medical Association publishes Treating Drug Abuse and Addiction in the Criminal Justice System In this report, researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse report that emerging neuroscience has the potential to transform traditional sanction-oriented public safety approaches by providing new therapeutic strategies against addiction that could be used in the criminal justice system. To find out more about this report, <a href="http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/301/2/183"> click here.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/booking/reservation?id=0809266867&key=5D4EC" target="newwindow">2009 NAEH National Conference</a></h4>National Alliance to End Homelessness February 8-16, 2009 San Diego, CA <h4><a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/Spring 2009 Occ Series Save the Date Flyer_Dec 08.pdf" target="newwindow">Occasional Series on Reentry Research: Incarceration and Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Neighborhood Perspective</a></h4>Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College February 27, 2009 New York, NY <h4><a href="http://www.nationalcia.org/?page_id=10" target="newwindow">Enterprise 2009 National Training Conference</a></h4>National Correctional Industries Association April 3-5, 2009 Dallas, TX </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/lav-fy2009-solicitation.pdf" target="newwindow"> Legal Assistance for Victims Program</a></h4> The United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, is seeking applications for the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program. This program furthers the Department of Justice’s mission by strengthening civil and criminal legal assistance programs for adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence. Application Deadline: January 28, 2009 </div> <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000844.pdf" target="newwindow"> Evaluation of a Demonstration Program: Drug Testing, Certain and Swift Sanctions, and Treatment Referral for Chronic Drug Users Under Community Supervision</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, is seeking applications for funding research to evaluate the effectiveness of a demonstration program that includes a drug-testing, sanctions, and treatment protocol for chronic drug users under criminal justice supervision in the community. The basic principles of the program must include (1) frequent drug testing; (2) certain, swift, and proportionate sanctions for failed tests; and (3) access to residential treatment, as appropriate. Application Deadline: February 4, 2009 </div> <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/fund/pdftxt/FY09_National_Field_Generated.pdf" target="newwindow"> National Field-Generated Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, has announced that it is seeking applications for funding under the “National Field- Generated Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Projects” cooperative agreement solicitation. This program furthers the Department’s mission by supporting the development of national-scope training, technical assistance, and demonstration project initiatives that strengthen the capacity of victim service and ancillary service providers to serve victims or enhance providers’ ability to support victims in accessing needed services and rights to which they are entitled. Application Deadline: February 24, 2009 </div> <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000862.pdf" target="newwindow"> Technology Research and Development for Law Enforcement and Corrections Application</a></h4> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice is seeking applications for funding to develop information and sensor technologies for application by law enforcement and corrections agencies. This program furthers the Department’s mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels. Application Deadline: March 2, 2009 <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2009-ACF-ANA-NI-0059.html" target="newwindow"> Family Preservation-Improving the Well-Being of Children Project Implementation</a></h4> The Administration for Native Americans (ANA), within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announces the availability of Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funds for projects that implement approaches to improve child well-being by removing barriers associated with strengthening families (including fatherhood, foster parenting, absentee parent activities, and grandparents raising grandchildren) and forming and preserving healthy families, relationships, and marriages (including Traditional Native American and Pacific Basin marriages). ANA's FY 2009 goals and program areas of interest are focused on strengthening children, families, and communities through financial assistance to community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, Tribes, and Village governments. Application Deadline: March 25, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>NY: 1/3/09 <a href="http://www.nynp.biz/index.php/points-of-view/183-restructuring-omh-sex-offender-management-program-can-save-state-dollars-" target="newwindow">Restructuring OMH Sex Offender Management Program can save state dollars</a> (New York Nonprofit Press)</li> <li>CT: 1/6/09 <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/nation/story/4A924C13A19682778625753600108A5E?OpenDocument" target="newwindow">Some cities look the other way in hiring former inmates</a> (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)</li> <li>WI: 1/7/09 <a href="http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=3874" target="newwindow">Governor Doyle announces new initiative to further improve criminal justice, corrections system </a> (press release, Office of the Governor)</li> <li>WI: 1/13/09 <a href="http://clipcast.wpr.org:8080/ramgen/wpr/news/news090113gh.rmt" target="newwindow">New ideas surfacing to handle overcrowded prisons</a> (Wisconsin Public Radio, radio clip)</li> <li>KS: 1/15/09 <a href="http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/kcurstream.umkc.edu/UTD/UTD_1-15-2009.mp3" target="newwindow">Up-To-Date</a> Kansas City’s award-winning public affairs radio program, discusses The Second Chance Act. Includes an interview with Justice Center board member and Kansas State Representative Pat Colloton (KCUR).</li> </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://cdpsweb.state.co.us/cccjj/PDF/2008 Recommendations/12-18-2008 FINAL CCJJ Report.pdf" target="newwindow">Colorado Commission of Criminal and Juvenile Justice2008 Annual Report</a> (Colorado Department of Public Safety)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cbhs-cjr.rutgers.edu/pdfs/01122009Policy_Brief.pdf" target="newwindow">Rethinking Diversion Interventions for Persons with Co-Occurring Mental Illnesses and Substance Abuse </a> (Center for Behavioral Health Services, Criminal Justice Research)) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.vera.org/publication_pdf/cyj_statusoffender.pdf" target="newwindow">Making Court the Last Resort: A New Focus for Supporting Families in Crisis</a> (Vera Institute of Justice)</li> Newsletters 22567

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Cities across the Country Incorporate Employment-Focused Strategies into Crime-Fighting Initiatives</a> Despite a general nationwide downturn in reported crime since the early 1990s, police departments and local newspapers in some cities across the country reported in 2007 and 2008 that the per capita violent crime rate in their jurisdictions has begun to creep up; in some areas the rate has increased significantly. To reduce crime, local elected officials have unveiled new crime-fighting strategies that include employment initiatives targeting people with criminal records. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/cities_employment_strategie">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> Second Chance Grant Solicitation Scheduled for Release, March 2009</a> The Department of Justice is scheduled to release the solicitation for the Second Chance Act grants to state and local government (sec. 101) on March 23, 2009, with applications due by May 21, 2009. The solicitation for the grants to nonprofit organizations (sec. 211) is expected to be released early next year as well. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/sca_grant_solicitation">Read the full announcement</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="https://nic.webex.com/mw0305l/mywebex/default.do?siteurl=nic" target="newwindow">Assessing Adult Women Offenders</a></h4>National Institute of Corrections December 19, 2008 Web-based <h4><a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/events.asp" target="newwindow">Occasional Series on Reentry Research: The Impact of Reentry Services on Juvenile Offenders' Recidivism</a></h4> Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College January 16, 2009 New York, NY <h4><a href="http://www.ncda.org/pdf/dowd2009cfp.pdf" target="newwindow">2009 Defendant/Offender Workforce Development Conference</a></h4> National Career Development Association April 5-8, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <h4><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09RSATsol.pdf" target="newwindow">Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program</a></h4> The Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking applications for funding under the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program. This program furthers the Department's mission by assisting state, local, and tribal efforts to break the cycle of drugs and violence by reducing the demand for, use, and trafficking of illegal drugs. Application Deadline: December 18, 2008 </div> <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA_DFA_PY0809.pdf" target="newwindow">Local Young Offender Planning Grants, State/Local Juvenile Offender Implementation Grants, and an Intermediary Juvenile Reentry Grant</a></h4> The Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, announced a three-category, $17.3 million competition through which selected localities will develop strategies to assist youth offenders returning from correctional facilities. These grants are targeted toward serving young people who have never been involved with the adult criminal system. Projects funded through these grants will create employment, education, mentoring, civic, and other services, to help young people becoming effective citizens. Application Deadline: December 18, 2008 </div> <div style="padding: 6px; font-size: 12px;"> <h4><a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000845.pdf" target="newwindow">National Study of Collateral Consequences for Criminal Convictions</a></h4> The National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking applications for funding proposals for a national study that will provide a comprehensive compilation of federal and state collateral consequences for criminal convictions. This program furthers the Department's mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels. Application Deadline: February 4, 2009 </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>PA: 12/11/08 <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08346/934229-55.stm" target="newwindow">Prison ministry taps community volunteers</a> (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)</li> <li>NJ: 12/10/08 - <a href="http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/study_intensive_parole_supervi.html" target="newwindow">Study: Intensive parole supervision reduces recidivism among violent criminals</a> (The Star-Ledger)</li> <li>FL: 12/10/08 - <a href="http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/35920594.html" target="newwindow"> Florida prisons will soon house 100,000 inmates</a> (WCTV)</li> <li>NH: 12/9/08 - <a href="http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=9489609" target="newwindow">NH inmates who finish education could get break</a> (WCAX - TV)</li> <li>NJ: 12/9/08 - <a href="http://www.nj.com/gloucester/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1228799443300060.xml&coll=8" target="newwindow">Prison debt paid, jobs not available</a> (Gloucester County Times)</li> </ul> </div> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411778_employment_after_prison.pdf" target="newwindow">Employment after Prison: A Longitudinal Study of Releasees in Three States </a> (Urban Institute) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.vera.org/publication_pdf/treatment-reentry.pdf" target="newwindow">Treatment and Reentry Practices for Sex Offenders</a> (Vera Institute of Justice) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.cbhs-cjr.rutgers.edu/pdfs/10082008Policy_Brief.pdf" target="newwindow">Critical Time Intervention for Prison and Jail Reentry </a> (Center for Behavioral Health Services & Criminal Justice Research) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.magnetmail.net/images/clients/ICCA/attach/Reentry_Safer_Comm.pdf" target="newwindow">Effective County Practices in Jail to Community Transition Planning for Offenders with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders</a> (National Association of Counties) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.hhs.gov/fbci/Tools & Resources/Pubs/guide.pdf" target="newwindow">Partnering with Faith-Based and Community Organizations: A Guide for State and Local Officials Administering Federal Block Grants and Formula Grant Funds</a> (Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) - pdf</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22352

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">New Toolkit on Law Enforcement Role in Prisoner Reentry: Four Agencies Selected as "Learning Sites" with Justice Department Grant</a> The <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/">Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center</a> announced today the release of the toolkit, Planning and Assessing a Law Enforcement Reentry Strategy. With support by the <a href="http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/" target="newwindow">U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)</a>, the kit has been designed as a guide and self-assessment tool for policing personnel and their partners to help reduce repeat crimes and facilitate successful reintegration by the more than 700,000 individuals who return to our communities from prisons each year and the more than 9 million from jails. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/new_LE_toolkit">Read the full story</a> <a name="feature2" style="text-decoration:none">U.S. Department of Justice Selects Eight "Weed and Seed" Sites to Receive Technical Assistance Aimed at Improving Reentry Efforts</a> The <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ccdo/nonflash.html" target="newwindow">U.S. Department of Justice Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO)</a> has selected eight "Weed and Seed" sites to participate in a 13-month technical assistance project to build, promote, and sustain a variety of initiatives aimed at helping individuals reenter communities after they are released from prison or jail. The selected sites are Phoenix, AZ; Palm Beach, FL; Indianapolis, IN; San Antonio, TX; St. Louis, MO; Pawtucket, RI; Irvington, NJ; and New Bedford, MA. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/DOJ_selects_eight_sites">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.performanceweb.org/2008/09/07/prisoner-reentry-summit/" target="newwindow">2008 National Summit on Prisoner Reentry</a> The Performance Institute November 5-7, 2008 Washington, DC <a href="https://www.theiacpconference.org/" target="newwindow">115th IACP Conference</a> International Association for Chiefs of Police November 8-12, 2008 San Diego, CA <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-20570.pdf" target="newwindow">Prisoner Reentry Initiative Grants</a> The U.S. Department of Labor invites faith-based and community organizations to apply for funding as part of the President's Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI). This initiative, a joint effort of the Departments of Labor and Justice, aims to help individuals find employment following their release from prison. The Department of Labor will award grants to faith-based and community organizations providing postrelease reentry services within 19 targeted counties across the nation. Grants will be in the amount of $300,000 for the first year of services, with the possibility of two additional years of funding, depending on demonstrated program performance and the availability of funds. Organizations operating in the following counties are eligible to apply for funding: <ol> <li>Jefferson County, AL</li> <li>Maricopa County, AZ</li> <li>Los Angeles County, CA</li> <li>Denver County, CO</li> <li>Fairfield County, CT</li> <li>New Castle County, DE</li> <li>Cook County, IL</li> <li>Allen County, IN</li> <li>Caddo and Bossier Parishes, LA</li> <li>Baltimore County, MD</li> <li>Genesee County, MI</li> <li>Greene County, MO</li> <li>Mercer County, NJ</li> <li>Clarke County, NV</li> <li>Erie County, NY</li> <li>Tulsa County, OK</li> <li>Philadelphia County, PA</li> <li>Davidson County, TN</li> <li>Milwaukee County, WI</li> </ol> For additional information, see the <a href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-20570.pdf">grant solicitation</a> in the U.S Federal Register. (See also the <a href="http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-21318.pdf" target="newwindow">solicitation amendment</a>, dated September 12.) Please direct any questions regarding this solicitation to Jeannette Flowers, Grants Management Specialist, Division of Federal Assistance, at (202) 693-3322 or <a href="mailto:Flowers.Jeannette@dol.gov">Flowers.Jeannette@dol.gov</a>. Application Deadline: November 4, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>AL: 10/21/08 - <a href="http://www.sandmountainreporter.com/story.lasso?ewcd=b4f8dd854296968f" target="newwindow">Marshall chosen for pilot sentencing program</a> (Sand Mountain Register)</li> <li>FL: 10/20/08 - <a href="http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/102108/met_346558134.shtml" target="newwindow">Bill touts hiring ex-offenders to cut crime rate</a> (Florida Times-Union)</li> <li>US: 10/20/08 - <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1020/p08s01-comv.html" target="newwindow">Editorial: One way to cut prison costs</a> (Christian Science-Monitor)</li> <li>CA: 10/20/08 - <a href="http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=49388&catid=2" target="newwindow">Prop 5: The Non-Violent Offender Rehabilitation Act</a> (KXTV-Sacramento)</li> <li>US: 10/19/08 - <a href="http://www.corrections.com/news/article/19785" target="newwindow">Ripple effect</a> (The Corrections Connection)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411767_successful_reentry.pdf" target="newwindow">Release Planning for Successful Reentry: A Guide for Corrections, Service Providers, and Community Groups</a> (Urban Institute) - pdf</li> <li><a href="https://www.svori-evaluation.org/%5Cdocuments%5Creports%5CAdult_Male_Pre-Release_Report.pdf" target="newwindow">Pre-release Characteristics and Service Receipt among Adult Male Participants in the SVORI Multi-site Evaluation</a> (Multi-site Evaluation of the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.theiacp.org/profassist/reentry/IACPinfoguideFINAL.pdf" target="newwindow">Strategically Monitoring Sex Offenders: Accessing Community Corrections' Resources to Enhance Law Enforcement Capabilities</a> (International Association of Chiefs of Police) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.theiacp.org/profassist/reentry/GPS.pdf" target="newwindow">Tracking Sex Offenders with Electronic Monitoring Technology: Implications and Practical Uses for Law Enforcement</a> (International Association of Chiefs of Police) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://cjinstitute.org/files/Successful%20Community%20Transition_5%205%2008.pdf" target="newwindow">Promoting Public Safety Through Successful Community Transition</a> (Community Resources for Justice / Crime and Justice Institute) - pdf</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22283

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--- - Arizona - Michigan <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Michigan Governor Creates Statewide Prisoner Reentry Advisory Council</a> Last month, Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm issued Executive Order No. 2008-18, establishing the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Advisory Council. Members of the advisory council represent several state agencies, including the departments of corrections, community health, labor and economic growth, and human services. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/MI_governor_creates_statewide">Read the full story</a> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Arizona Lawmakers Enact Innovative, Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Crimes Committed by Probationers</a> In June the Arizona legislature passed with overwhelming bipartisan support SB 1476, "The Safe Communities Act," which creates a performance funding mechanism for probation departments to employ best practices to reduce crime and violations committed by people under probation supervision. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/az_lawmakers_enact">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3>HILL UPDATE</h3> <a name="hill" style="text-decoration:none">Tribute to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones</a> Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, key champion of the Second Chance Act (PL 110-199), passed away last night from a ruptured aneurysm. Tubbs Jones was one of the original authors of the Second Chance Act and was known for her tireless work on prisoner reentry and other pressing social issues. Tubbs Jones had served as a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge and prosecutor before serving five terms in Congress. The CSG Justice Center sends its condolences to her family and staff in this difficult time. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHFW-ZKYK7k">Watch a video of Rep. Tubbs Jones speaking about the Second Chance Act</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/Fall%202008%20Occasional%20Series%20Flyer.pdf" target="newwindow">Occasional Series on Reentry: Women, Reentry and Everyday Life</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute, John Jay College of Criminal Justice September 12, 2008 New York, NY <a href="http://www.najis.org/Registration.html" target="newwindow">2008 National Conference</a> National Association for Justice Information Systems September 24-26, 2008 Las Vegas, NV <a href="http://www.capaassociation.org/npre_conference_register.htm" target="newwindow">National Prisoner Reentry Conference 2008</a> Christian Association for Prison Aftercare October 16-19, 2008 Sacramento, CA <a href="http://www.atsa.com/pdfs/08registration.pdf" target="newwindow">27th Annual Research and Treatment Conference</a> Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers October 22-25, 2008 Atlanta, GA <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000836.pdf" target="newwindow">National Institute of Justice Graduate Research Fellowship</a> The National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking applications for its Graduate Research Fellowship Program, which sponsors research aimed at meeting the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the state and local levels. The Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides assistance to universities for dissertation research support to outstanding doctoral students undertaking independent research on issues related to crime and justice. Students from any academic discipline may propose original research that has direct implications for criminal justice in the United States. Application Deadline: November 21, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>NV: 8/20/08 - <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/aug/20/study-suggests-nevada-prisons-do-pretty-good-job-p/" target="newwindow">Study suggests Nevada prisons do pretty good job of preventing recidivism</a> (Las Vegas Sun)</li> <li>WA: 8/20/08 - <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008125789_sexoffenders20m.html" target="newwindow">Neighbors fear sex offenders will move into Everett mansion</a> (Seattle Times)</li> <li>KY: 8/19/08 - <a href="http://www.kypost.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=377ad12b-5498-4c7c-8b95-bed941b17129" target="newwindow">New parole credit program debated</a> (Kentucky Post)</li> <li>GA: 8/19/08 - <a href="http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=909&NewsID=920472&CategoryID=19667&on=1" target="newwindow">State cuts funds to drug courts</a> (Courier Herald)</li> <li>MI: 8/19/08 - <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1219157420132090.xml&coll=7" target="newwindow">City resolution designed to help ex-felons</a> (Kalamazoo Gazette)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/renewing.pdf" target="newwindow">Renewing Communities, Restoring Hope, Transforming Lives</a> (White House Office on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://innovationincompassion.hhs.gov/documents/Johnson_Page17.pdf" target="newwindow">Not by Government nor Faith Alone: Rethinking Prisoner Reentry</a> (Baylor University) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/411698_incarcerated_parents.pdf" target="newwindow">Using Local Data to Explore the Experiences and Needs of Children of Incarcerated Parents</a> (Urban Institute) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/State-Local%20Fiscal%20Partnerships%20July%202008(1).pdf" target="newwindow">Getting in Sync: State-Local Fiscal Partnerships for Public Safety</a> (Pew Center on the States' Public Safety Performance Project)) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.justicepolicy.org/images/upload/08-04_REP_JailingCommunities_AC.pdf" target="newwindow">Jailing Communities: The Impact of Jail Expansion and Effective Public Safety Strategies</a> (Justice Policy Institute) - pdf</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22265

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Justice Center Launches Web-Based Version of Repaying Debts Report, Works with States to Translate Recommendations into Policy and Practice</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center announced today the availability of an online version of the Repaying Debts report, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive guide that offers recommendations on how policymakers can increase financial accountability among people leaving correctional facilities, improve rates of child support collection and victim restitution, and make individuals' transitions from prisons and jails to the community safe and successful. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/justice_center_launches_web_tool">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.strategymatters.org/events_grantstation.html" target="newwindow">Grants Training: Build your Skills to Help your Cause</a> Strategy Matters July 30, 2008 Worchester, MA <a href="http://www.bbsummit.org/" target="newwindow">California Black-Brown Summit on Re-entry</a> NAACP - LULAC - Homeward Bound August 1-3, 2008 Stockton, CA <a href="http://www.ncja.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=2008_National_Forum" target="newwindow">National Forum on Criminal Justice and Public Safety</a> National Criminal Justice Association August 3-5, 2008 Louisville, KY <a href="http://www.dtiassociates.com/fbci/logisticsCA2.cfm?location=CA2" target="newwindow">White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives</a> White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives August 18, 2008 Sacramento, CA <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2008-ACF-ACYF-CV-0127.html" target="newwindow">Mentoring Children of Prisoners Training and Technical Assistance</a> The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is currently seeking applications for its Mentoring Children of Prisoners Training and Technical Assistance program. This cooperative agreement will enhance the programmatic and administrative capacities of public and private agencies that provide services to youth as part of the national Mentoring Children of Prisoners (MCP) initiative. The successful applicant will be responsible for the planning, coordination, production, and execution of training activities to promote optimum services for MCP programs. Application Deadline: August 11, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>SC: 7/22/08 - <a href="http://www.thestate.com/local/story/467468.html" target="newwindow">Drug court: The hard road to a new life</a> (The State)</li> <li>DE: 7/22/08 - <a href="http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080722/NEWS02/807220356" target="newwindow">Success of drug program is celebrated</a> (Wilmington News Journal)</li> <li>WI: 7/21/08 - <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=774698" target="newwindow">Editorial: Jobs fight crime</a> (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)</li> <li>AL: 7/21/08 - <a href="http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/121662812759750.xml&coll=2" target="newwindow">Mentors help bridge gaps in lives of Alabama prisoners' children</a> (The Birmingham News)</li> <li>IN: 7/21/08 - <a href="http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080721/NEWS/80721040/1004/SPORTS" target="newwindow">Dungy to chair ex-offender job program</a> (Indianapolis Star)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.nycbar.org/pdf/report/Task_Force_Report08.pdf" target="newwindow">Legal Employers Taking the Lead: Enhancing Employment Opportunities for the Previously Incarcerated</a> (New York City Bar Association) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/Back%20to%20School%20Final%205.28.08.pdf" target="newwindow">Back to School: A Guide to Continuing Your Education after Prison</a> (John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Prisoner Reentry Institute) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/238_publication.pdf" target="newwindow">Going to Work with a Criminal Record</a> (Public/Private Ventures) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/jim07.pdf" target="newwindow">Jail Inmates at Midyear 2007</a> (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/pim07.pdf" target="newwindow">Prison Inmates at Midyear 2007</a> (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/publications/CFIP_report_WA_2008;file" target="newwindow">Children and Families of Incarcerated Parents: Understanding the Challenges and Addressing the Needs</a> (Washington State Department of Social and Health Services) - doc</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22239

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--- - Rhode Island - Vermont <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Vermont and Rhode Island Enact Initiatives to Increase Public Safety and Reduce Corrections Spending</a> At the beginning of the 2008 legislative sessions, policymakers in Vermont and Rhode Island faced projected growth in their prison populations, spiraling corrections costs and high recidivism rates. Rather than allowing these trends to continue, state officials, with overwhelming bipartisan support, enacted legislation to increase public safety, avert spending on corrections, and reduce recidivism among people released from prison. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/vermont_rhode_island">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/fbci/grantwriting08.cfm" target="newwindow">Free Grant Writing Trainings</a> U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Multiple session dates throughout summer Nationwide <a href="http://www.performanceweb.org/CENTERS/LE/Events/L256/" target="newwindow">National Conference on Sex Offender Registration and Management</a> Leadership Against Sex Offenders June 17-19, 2008 San Diego, CA <a href="http://www.gangsymposium.org/" target="newwindow">National Youth Gang Symposium</a> Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention U.S. Department of Justice June 23-26, 2008 Atlanta, GA <a href="http://www.dtiassociates.com/fbci/logisticsDC2.cfm?location=DC2" target="newwindow">White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives</a> White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives June 26-27, 2008 Washington, D.C. <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/08ByrneCompSol.pdf" target="newwindow">Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program: National Initiatives</a> The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, is seeking applications for funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program: National Initiatives. This program assists state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and preventing drug abuse and crime. Grants will be awarded to both public and private entities to help local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and will also provide for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. Application Deadline: June 11, 2008 <a href="http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2008/Gang.pdf" target="newwindow">Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program</a> The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, is seeking applications for funding under the FY 2008 Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program. Awards will be made to support coordination of community-based anti-gang strategies. Funding is available to support salary and related expenses for coordinators with responsibility for organizing and overseeing anti-gang activities under two or more of the following strategies: primary prevention, secondary prevention, gang intervention, and gang enforcement. Application Deadline: June 13, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>NC: 6/3/08 - <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/crime_safety/story/1094282.html" target="newwindow">Hotels could house sex offenders</a> (The News & Observer)</li> <li>IL: 6/2/08 - <a href="http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2008/06/02/news/local/doc48433fbadddf1464161170.txt" target="newwindow">Community group reaches out to parolees</a> (Kane County Chronicle)</li> <li>OH: 6/1/08 - <a href="http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/05/31/sns060108exoffendersfront.html" target="newwindow">Program provides help, support to ex-offenders</a> (Springfield News Sun)</li> <li>OH: 5/31/08 - <a href="http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080531/OPINION02/805310313" target="newwindow">Editorial: Preserving family ties</a> (Toledo Blade)</li> <li>FL: 5/30/08 - <a href="http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2008/06/02/story2.html?b=1212379200%5E1642106" target="newwindow">Ex-offenders move from prisons to jobs</a> (Jacksonville Business Journal)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/235_publication.pdf" target="newwindow">From Options to Action: A Roadmap for City Leaders to Connect Formerly Incarcerated Individuals to Work</a> (Public/Private Ventures) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.amfar.org/binary-data/AMFAR_PDF/pdf/000/000/185-1.pdf" target="newwindow">HIV in Correctional Settings: Implications for Prevention and Treatment Policy</a> (Foundation for AIDS Research) - pdf</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411657.html" target="newwindow">Massachusetts Recidivism Study</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411660.html" target="newwindow">Life After Lockup: Improving Reentry from Jail to the Community</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411661.html" target="newwindow">The Jail Administrator's Toolkit for Reentry</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.wssu.edu/NR/rdonlyres/E28D1D66-1A98-45F8-929A-546C8D988C0A/0/TenKeyComponentsFullDoc.doc" target="newwindow">10 Key Components for an Effective Reentry Program</a> (Winston-Salem State University) - doc</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22205

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Congressional Leaders Working on Funding of Second Chance Act</a> Now that the Second Chance Act has been signed into law, members of Congress are turning their attention toward ensuring that the legislation receives funding in 2009 so that communities can begin to apply for the Second Chance reentry grants. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/announcements/congressional_leaders_working">Read the full story</a> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">CSG Justice Center Convenes Federally Funded Meeting of Criminal Justice Experts Group Discusses How to Reduce Sex Crimes by Safely Housing Sex Offenders Postrelease</a> On April 21, the Council of State Governments Justice Center convened a meeting of state agency officials, victim advocates, prosecutors, and national experts to discuss a draft policy guide, which reviews strategies for increasing public safety by ensuring that sex offenders released from prisons and jails have a place to live. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/announcements/CSG_SOH_mtg">Read the full story</a> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">CSG Justice Center Convenes Focus Group on Improving Collaborations between State Governments and Community and Faith-Based Organizations</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center convened a focus group of officials from state departments of correction and representatives of community and faith-based organizations in April to discuss a draft guide, which recommends strategies for increasing collaboration between state departments of corrections and community and faith-based organizations. The meeting was held in conjunction with a conference in Arlington, VA hosted by the <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/" target="newwindow">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, U.S. Department of Justice, for the 2007 grantees of the Presidential Prisoner Reentry Initiative. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/announcements/CSG_FBCO_mtg">Read the full story</a> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Corrections Today Features Reentry, Justice Center Board Members</a> The April 2008 issue of the American Correctional Association magazine Corrections Today focuses on the benefits of collaborations, with several articles promoting reentry partnerships in particular. In his commentary, Justin Jones, a Justice Center board member and director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, underscores the importance of truly collaborative efforts to any reentry initiative. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/announcements/corrections_today_article">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.urban.org/Pressroom/otherevents3/rsvp.cfm">Congressional Forum on the Impact of Reentry from Local Jails</a> John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the Urban Institute May 7,2008 Washington, D.C. <a href="http://powernetofdayton.org/rtb2008.asp">2008 "Raising the Bar" Ex-Offender Reentry Conference</a> "Building Effective Collaborations for a Stronger Community" PowerNet of Dayton May 8-10, 2008 Dayton, OH E-mail <a href="mailto:rgreenberg@njisj.org">Richard Greenberg</a> for more information. <a href="mailto:rgreenberg@njisj.org">"Moral Panic" Documentary Screening</a> New Jersey Institute for Social Justice May 13, 2008 Newark, NJ E-mail <a href="mailto:rgreenberg@njisj.org">Richard Greenberg</a> for more information. <a href="http://nycla.org/index.cfm?section=Calendar&page=event_Detail&itemID=1093&dateID=20080515" target="newwindow">The Financial Consequences of Criminal Convictions</a> "New Fees and Fines in New York's Criminal Justice System" New York County Lawyer's Association May 15, 2008 New York, NY <a href="http://www.dtiassociates.com/fbci/logisticsLA.cfm?location=LA" target="newwindow">White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives</a> White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives May 29-30, 2008 New Orleans, LA <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/fund/pdftxt/FY08_fieldtraining.pdf" target="newwindow">National Training, Technical Assistance, and Demonstration Project Grants for Organizations Serving Crime Victims</a> The U.S. Office for Victims of Crime will award grants of up to $500,000 to private nonprofit organizations and public agencies to support capacity-building initiatives focused on advancing rights and services for crime victims. Qualifying initiatives will be national in scope and will propose to fill service gaps in the field by providing training and technical assistance or will promote promising practices or program models through demonstration projects. Application Deadline: May 29, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>IA: 5/1/08 - <a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080501/NEWS10/805010375/-1/ENT05" target="newwindow">Study: 93% of prisoners have had disorders</a> (Des Moines Register)</li> <li>NH: 5/1/08 - <a href="http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080501/NEWS0201/888901211" target="newwindow">Tiered-system proposal for sex offenders undergoing major changes in Senate</a> (Foster's Daily Democrat)</li> <li>OH: 4/27/08 - <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/nyregion/27excons.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin" target="newwindow">Seeking the key to employment for ex-cons</a> (New York Times)</li> <li>OH: 4/27/08 - <a href="http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2008/04/27/wrk_inmates_dental.ART_ART_04-27-08_D3_O0A19B9.html?sid=101" target="newwindow">Inmates sink teeth into training</a> (Columbus Dispatch)</li> <li>CT: 4/27/08 - <a href="http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-kushins0425.artapr25,0,5856026.story" target="newwindow">Editorial: Why three-strikes could harm sex assault victims</a> (Hartford Courant)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pewcenteronthestates.org/uploadedFiles/Crime%20Incarceration%20QA.pdf" target="newwindow">The Impact of Incarceration on Crime: Two National Experts Weigh In</a> (Pew Center on the States’ Public Safety Performance Project)</li> <li><a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/NYCMappingHeathCare.pdf" target="newwindow">Mapping the Innovation in Correctional Health Care Service Delivery in NYC</a> (Prisoner Reentry Institute, John Jay College of Criminal Justice)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411645.html" target="newwindow">To Treat or Not to Treat: Evidence on the Prospects of Expanding Treatment to Drug-Involved Offenders</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://dcj.state.co.us/ors/pdf/docs/WW08_022808.pdf" target="newwindow">What Works: Effective Recidivism Reduction and Risk-Focused Prevention Programs</a> (Colorado Division of Criminal Justice)</li> <li><a href="http://brennan.3cdn.net/8782cc82daf02b9431_29m6ibzbu.pdf" target="newwindow">Restoring the Right to Vote</a> (Brennan Center for Justice)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 22159

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">Employment Plays Crucial Role in Successful Reentry</a> Early findings from a recent federally funded research evaluation suggest that providing transitional work and supportive employment services to individuals shortly after their release from prison can significantly lessen the likelihood of subsequent convictions and reincarceration. The study also showed that transitional work generated large positive differences in employment rates between program participants and non-participants, although these differences declined sharply by the end of one year. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/announcements/employment_plays_crucial">Read the full story</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> U.S. Senate Passes Second Chance Act</a> The U.S. Senate passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 on March 11. This landmark bill, introduced by Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Sam Brownback (R-KS), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Arlen Specter (R-PA), provides critical resources designed to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. The legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent and now proceeds to the President's desk for signature. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/Senate_Passes_SCA">Read the full announcement</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Events/Conference08.html" target="newwindow">2008 National Transitional Jobs Network Conference</a> "Building Opportunities for Workers, Employers, and Communities" National Transitional Jobs Network April 1-2, 2008 Oakland, CA <a href="http://www.tcssoftware.com/cgi-bin/WebSuite/tcsAssnWebSuite.pl?AssnID=NCDA&DBCode=130285&Action=DisplayTemplate&Page=AWS_NCDA2_dowd_index.html" target="newwindow">2008 Defendant / Offender Workforce Development Conference</a> "Rockin' to Reentry" National Career Development Association April 13-16, 2008 Cleveland, OH <a href="http://www.theeventconn.com/event/National_Offender_Workforce_Development_Conference" target="newwindow">4th Annual National Offender Workforce Development Conference</a> "Breaking Cycles, Changing Lives" Productive Workforce Development, LLC / National H.I.R.E. Network April 16-19, 2008 Los Angeles, CA <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=40719" target="newwindow">Evidence Based Decision Making for Local Criminal Justice Systems</a> The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking proposals from organizations, groups, or individuals to enter into a cooperative agreement with NIC for the 18-month development phase of its new initiative, "Evidence Based Decision Making for Local Criminal Justice Systems." The overall goal of the initiative is to establish and test linkages between local criminal justice decisions (e.g., pretrial release or diversion, plea bargaining, etc.) and the application of evidence-based practices to measurably reduce pretrial misconduct and post-conviction risk of re-offending. Application Deadline: April 4, 2008 <a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000825.pdf" target="newwindow">Criminal Justice Technology Evaluation</a> The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking evaluations of technologies designed to prevent and reduce crime and improve the functioning of the criminal justice system. NIJ is specifically interested in evaluations that determine if the application of existing or newly developed technologies works to improve criminal justice outcomes. Applications that focus on the measurable impact of technologies on reduction in crime will be given priority. Application Deadline: April 4, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>PA: 3/24/08 - <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08084/867524-53.stm" target="newwindow">Manchester works to create neighbor-based justice system</a> (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)</li> <li>FL: 3/24/08 - <a href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/03/24/a18a_prison_edit_0324.html" target="newwindow">Editorial: Fewer addicts, less crime</a> (Palm Beach Post)</li> <li>OH: 3/23/08 - <a href="http://www.ohio.com/news/ap?articleID=456281&c=y" target="newwindow">Ohio stops state-funded treatment for paroled sex offenders</a> (Akron Beacon Journal)</li> <li>CA: 3/23/08 - <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/803825.html" target="newwindow">Another view: Fix probation to aid prisons</a> (Sacramento Bee)</li> <li>TX: 3/19/08 - <a href="http://www.economist.com/world/na/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10880952" target="newwindow">A new deal: Rehabilitating prisoners</a> (The Economist)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411617.html" target="newwindow">Health and Prisoner Reentry: How Physical, Mental, and Substance Abuse Conditions Shape the Process of Reintegration</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411616.html" target="newwindow">Broken Bonds: Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Children with Incarcerated Parents</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ncsl.org/print/cj/07sentencingreport.pdf" target="newwindow">State Sentencing and Corrections Legislation: 2007 Action, 2008 Outlook</a> (National Council of State Legislatures)</li> <li><a href="http://www.cce.csus.edu/conferences/cdcr/casomb/docs/SOMBReport1.pdf" target="newwindow">An Assessment of Current Management Practices of Adult Sex Offenders in California</a> (California Sex Offender Management Board)</li> <li><a href="http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/PRItoolkit.pdf" target="newwindow">Prisoner Reentry Toolkit for Faith-Based and Community Organizations</a> (U.S. Department of Labor)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top</a> Newsletters 21997

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--- - California - Georgia - Iowa <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">States Examine Residency Restrictions for Individuals Convicted of Sex Crimes</a> In the past decade, more than 20 states and hundreds of municipalities across the nation have enacted laws restricting where sex offenders may reside. Most of these laws prohibit sex offenders from living within 500 to 2,500 feet of schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, and other places frequented by children. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/states_examine_residency">Read the full story.</a> <a name="feature2" style="text-decoration:none">Justice Center Announces Upcoming Reentry Guide for State-Level Policymakers</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center, with support from the <a href="http://www.aecf.org" target="newwindow">Annie E. Casey Foundation</a> and the <a href="http://www.macfound.org" target="newwindow">John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation</a>, is developing a Reentry Guide that will aid state-level policymakers in establishing, assessing, and improving statewide prisoner reentry plans. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/upcoming_reentry_guide">Read the full announcement.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> Recap of the Second Chance Act of 2007</a> Attempts to pass the Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593/S. 1060) in the Senate before the end of 2007 were unsuccessful, despite the strong support of Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sam Brownback (R-KS) and 31 other cosponsors. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/announcements/recap_of_sca">Read the full announcement.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/Spring2008Flyer.pdf" target="newwindow">Occasional Series on Reentry Research: Sex Offenders</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute John Jay College of Criminal Justice February 1, 2008 New York, NY <a href="http://www.swift-solutions.org/QISV/CSOT.asp" target="newwindow">16th Annual Conference on the Management of Adults and Juveniles with Sexual Behavior Problems</a> Council on Sex Offender Treatment February 10-12, 2008 Galveston, TX <a href="http://www.ncjfcj.org/images/stories/dept/cp/pdf/jj%2008%20brochure.pdf" target="newwindow">35th National Conference on Juvenile Justice</a> National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges March 9-12, 2008 St. Louis, MO <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-007.html" target="newwindow">The Interaction of HIV, Drug Use, and the Criminal Justice System</a> The National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute of Mental Health are seeking proposals for research projects linking drug abuse, HIV/AIDS prevention or treatment, and the criminal justice system. Applications should focus on developing and/or implementing effective interventions. Consideration of co-occurring conditions, such as psychiatric disorder, is encouraged. Application Deadline: January 27, 2008 (Letter of Intent); February 27, 2008 (Application) <a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000820.pdf" target="newwindow">Crime and Justice Research</a> The National Institute of Justice is seeking applications for funding of social and behavioral research on, and evaluations related to, crime and justice topics relevant to state and/or local criminal and juvenile justice policy and practice. This is an "open" solicitation, and most crime and justice topics that are relevant to policymakers and practitioners are eligible for consideration. Application Deadline: March 5, 2008 <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li>OH: 1/21/08 - <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1200908062284070.xml&coll=2" target="newwindow">Ohio's tougher sex offender law being met with lawsuits, confusion</a> (Cleveland Plain Dealer)</li> <li>WA: 1/20/08 - <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_id_transitional_homes.html" target="newwindow">Explosive growth of transitional homes in ID prompts new rules</a> (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)</li> <li>WI: 1/13/08 - <a href="http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/GPG0101/801130759/1207/GPGnews" target="newwindow">Lawmaker aims to stop laws restricting sex offender residency</a> (Green Bay Press-Gazette)</li> <li>KY: 1/13/08 - <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/454/story/284908.html" target="newwindow">Cramming in the inmates</a> (Lexington Herald-Leader)</li> <li>VT: 1/13/08 - <a href="http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080113/NEWS03/801130375/1004/NEWS03" target="newwindow">Experts: prison plan to save $6M</a> (Rutland Herald)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.mdrc.org/publications/468/overview.html" target="newwindow">Transitional Jobs for Ex-Prisoners: Early Impacts from a Random Assignment Evaluation of the Center for Employment Opportunities Prisoner Reentry Program</a> (MDRC)</li> <li><a href="http://www.umsl.edu/~ccj/pdfs/Huebner_Cobbina_JDI.pdf" target="newwindow">Effect of Drug Use, Drug Treatment Participation, and Treatment Completion on Probationer Recidivism </a> (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance)</li> <li><a href="http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_ektid31188.aspx?category=356" target="newwindow">Key Questions on Parole and Probation Violations</a> (Pew Center on the States)</li> <li><a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/sca_and_reentry;file" target="newwindow">The Second Chance Act and the Future of the Reentry Movement </a> (Marquette University Law School))</li> <li><a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/216297.pdf" target="newwindow">Helping Inmates Obtain Federal Disability Benefits </a> (National Institute of Justice)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> Newsletters 21895

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURES</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">State Legislators Address Prisoner Reentry in 2006-2007 Sessions</a> State legislators across the U.S. are tackling a wide range of issues relating to the successful reentry of individuals released from prisons and jails. The Justice Center has compiled a sampling of reentry legislation enacted in the states during the 2006-2007 legislative sessions. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/legislation/roundup">View the list of reentry legislation.</a> <a name="feature2" style="text-decoration:none">Justice Center Releases State Briefs on Justice Reinvestment Policies Enacted in Kansas and Texas</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center recently released two new documents describing Texas and Kansas policymakers' recent bipartisan efforts to employ a data-driven "justice reinvestment" strategy to avert projected prison growth and increase public safety. In Kansas, policymakers enacted legislation designed to encourage local community corrections agencies to develop and implement strategies that will reduce revocation rates among individuals under community supervision. The legislation also authorizes program credits to provide an incentive for individuals to complete certain educational, vocational, or treatment programs while they are incarcerated. Individuals who participate in such programs can have their prison sentences reduced by up to 60 days. To avert further growth in the Texas prison population, the state legislature enacted measures to improve success rates of people on community supervision, expand the capacity of treatment and diversion programs, and enhance the use of parole for low-risk offenders. By implementing these policies, the state reduced budgeted expenses for the next fiscal biennium by $210.5 million. The Justice Center, with support from the <a href="http://www.pewpublicsafety.org/" target="newwindow">Public Safety Performance Project</a> of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Center on the States and the <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA" target="newwindow">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, worked intensively with policymakers in both states to develop policy options aimed at increasing public safety and reducing corrections spending. To download the Texas and Kansas briefs, or to access more information about the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, please visit <a href="http://www.justicereinvestment.org" target="newwindow">www.justicereinvestment.org</a>. <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="hill_update" style="text-decoration:none">HILL UPDATE</a></h3> Second Chance Act Passes House, Moves to Senate</a> Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R. 1593), a bill that will increase the likelihood that people's transition from prisons and jails to the community is safe and successful. The bill, introduced by Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL) and Rep. Chris Cannon (R-UT) received broad bipartisan support, passing the House 347-62. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill in early December. <a href="http://reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act" target="newwindow">Learn more about the Second Chance Act.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.proworkdev.com/reg1.htm" target="newwindow">Call for Presentations</a> 2008 National Offender Workforce Development Conference Productive Workforce Development, LLC Submission Deadline: December 15, 2007 <a href="http://www.socialworkers.org/diversity/humanrights/conference2007.asp" target="newwindow">Washington Metropolitan Regional Conference on Reentry</a> "Impact on the Professional Frontline Reentry Workforce" National Association of Social Workers December 6-7, 2007 Washington, D.C. <a href="http://www.ncjfcj.org/content/view/1027/315/" target="newwindow">2007 National Youth Court Conference</a> National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges December 9-12, 2007 New Orleans, LA <a href="https://www.ovcttac.org/nvaa2007/index.cfm" target="newwindow">2007 National Victim Assistance Academy</a> U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime December 9-14, 2007 Baltimore, MD <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/great.html" target="newwindow">Gang Resistance Education and Training Program</a> The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for its Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program. As part of the G.R.E.A.T. program, law enforcement officers provide school-based lessons to discourage at-risk youth from engaging in delinquent behavior and violence. Law enforcement agencies and state, local, and tribal jurisdictions are eligible to apply for funding. Application Deadline: December 13, 2007 <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-mass_27met.ART.State.Edition2.36ca47b.html" target="newwindow">11/27/07 - For ex-offenders, a place to turn</a> (Dallas Morning News)</li> <li><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-juvynov27,1,1508527.story" target="newwindow">11/27/07 - Parole proposed for youths who kill</a> (Chicago Tribune)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2007/11/26/offender_1127.html" target="newwindow">11/26/07 - Residency ruling applies to all sex offenders</a> (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)</li> <li><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/519072.html" target="newwindow">11/25/07 - Big plan for change stumbles</a> (Sacramento Bee)</li> <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/us/25dna.html" target="newwindow">11/25/07 - A long road back after exoneration, and justice is slow to make amends</a> (New York Times)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.nj.gov/oag/crimeplan/safe-reentry-plan.pdf" target="newwindow">New Jersey Reentry Plan</a> (New Jersey Dept. of Law and Public Safety)</li> <li><a href="http://www.nicic.org/Library/022173" target="newwindow">Administrative Guide: Offender Workforce Development Specialist Partnership Training Program</a> (National Institute of Corrections)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411561.html" target="newwindow">Evaluation of Florida's Faith- and Character-Based Institutions</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=68" target="newwindow">Housing and Public Safety</a> (Justice Policy Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://www.texaspolicy.com/pdf/2007-11-PP28-licensing-ml.pdf" target="newwindow">Working with Conviction: Criminal Offenses as Barriers to Entering Licensed Occupations in Texas</a> (Center for Effective Justice)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> Newsletters 21732

2009-09-22

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--- [] <h3>FEATURE</h3> <a name="feature" style="text-decoration:none">CSG Justice Center Unveils New Reentry Policy Council Website</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center today announced the launch of its new Reentry Policy Council (RPC) website at <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org">www.reentrypolicy.org</a>. The redesigned site provides more resources and is easier to navigate, giving website visitors quick access to media coverage, announcements from the field, publications, and upgraded tools and materials on a range of reentry issues. The website also continues to showcase the Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council, a comprehensive guide published in 2005 that contains hundreds of policy recommendations for legislators, service providers, researchers, criminal justice professionals, and others involved in creating and implementing effective reentry initiatives. Users will be able to access the full report, or can easily find relevant sections through links on the website that are dedicated to particular topics or project work. "At a time when states are fighting high recidivism rates that compromise public safety and contribute to the unsustainable growth of prison populations, it’s vital to ensure that state agencies and community organizations can easily access and put to use the practical, nonpartisan information that the Justice Center’s Reentry Policy Council offers," said Florida State Senator Stephen Wise, Justice Center board member and Senate Criminal Justice Committee member. "The updated and redesigned RPC website does just that." In addition, the revamped website will feature a suite of hands-on tools designed to help users apply policy recommendations and other information contained in the report to their own reentry programs and initiatives. For example, site visitors can use the Reentry Housing Options Comparison Chart to compare housing options available to people returning to the community from prison or jail. This chart presents extensive information on myriad topics including availability, duration, and funding sources for several housing types in an easy-to-read format. The RPC plans to release several additional web-based tools later this fall that will address the following issues: assessing the risks and needs of people who are incarcerated or released from prison or jail, accessing federal benefits and cash assistance programs that can aid this population, and improving collaborations between community supervision agencies and children and family services. "The Reentry Policy Council website is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in prisoner reentry issues, from policymakers to staff working to carry out those policies every day in their communities," said New York State Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, Justice Center board member and chair of the Assembly Committee on Correction. "The new website includes such features as interactive tools, which will allow people working on reentry issues across the country to evaluate and improve their programs, and the latest reentry news, funding opportunities, new research, and publications." The launch of the improved RPC website is the first step in the Justice Center’s plan to provide users with a comprehensive online database of reentry resources, including profiles of local programs, research studies, media articles, legislation, descriptions of local advocacy efforts, and examples of coordination by state agencies and community-based organizations to promote integrated reentry strategies. This database will complement the Justice Center’s existing <a href="http://www.cjmh-infonet.org" target="newwindow">Criminal Justice / Mental Health Information Network</a>, which provides expansive information on mental health issues as they relate to the criminal justice system. The Reentry Policy Council is a public/private partnership funded in part by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Labor, and Health and Human Services, as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org">www.reentrypolicy.org</a>. The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The Justice Center coordinates the Reentry Policy Council. For more information, visit <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org">www.justicecenter.csg.org</a>. <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="announcements_events" style="text-decoration:none">ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS</a></h3> <a href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/2008conference/call_for_presentations.asp" target="newwindow">Call for Presentations</a> 2008 National GAINS Center Conference: "Creating More Effective Services" Submission Deadline: October 30, 2007 <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/October5Flyer.pdf">Occasional Series on Reentry Research</a> "Fictive Kinship as Reentry Strategy: The Role of Social Relations in Prisoner Reintegration" Prisoner Reentry Institute, John Jay College of Criminal Justice November 2, 2007 New York, NY <a href="http://www.asc41.com/annualmeeting.htm">2007 Annual Meeting</a> American Society of Criminology November 14-17, 2007 Atlanta, GA <a href="http://www.dtiassociates.com/fbci/logisticsCA.cfm?location=CA">National Summit on Prisoner Reentry</a> White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives November 27-28, 2007 Los Angeles, CA <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="funding_opps" style="text-decoration:none">FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES</a></h3> <a href="http://www.rwjf.org/applications/solicited/cfp.jsp?ID=19840&c=EMC-FA141">Substance Abuse Policy Research Program</a> The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is accepting proposals for its Substance Abuse Policy Research Program (SAPRP). SAPRP projects focus on producing policy-relevant information about ways to reduce the harm caused by the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs in the United States. The program provides the opportunity for policy researchers from a variety of disciplines - including public health, law, and criminal justice, among others - to apply their expertise to important, challenging problems in this field. Application Deadline: November 7, 2007 <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="news" style="text-decoration:none">REENTRY NEWS</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/16/BA8OSQGBS.DTL" target="newwindow">10/16/2007 - San Francisco Chronicle (CA): State Supreme Court refuses to halt sex offender parolee arrests</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/valley/ci_7181950?nclick_check=1" target="newwindow">10/15/2007 - San Jose Mercury News (CA): City wants to replace Plaza Hotel, home for parolees, with parking</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=247106" target="newwindow">10/14/2007 - Stateline.org: Political odd couple pushes prisoner re-entry breakthrough</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.sunjournal.com/story/234054-3/MaineNews/Packed_prisons/#" target="newwindow">10/14/2007 - Sun Journal (ME): Packed prisons</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.azstarnet.com/business/206027" target="newwindow">10/14/2007 - Arizona Daily Star (AZ): Ex-cons find jobs and respect</a></li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> <hr /> <h3><a name="publications" style="text-decoration:none">PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.njisj.org/documents/DoNoHarm_August2007.pdf" target="newwindow">Do No Harm: A Briefing on the Reentry of Gang-Affiliated Individuals in New Jersey</a> (New Jersey Institute for Social Justice)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/Jail_Focus_Group_Report.pdf" target="newwindow">Jail Leaders Speak: Current and Future Challenges to Jail Administration and Operations</a> (Center for Innovative Public Policies)</li> <li><a href="http://www.urban.org/publications/1001099.html" target="newwindow">Mapping for Community-Based Prisoner Reentry Efforts: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement and Their Partners</a> (Urban Institute)</li> <li><a href="http://hrw.org/reports/2007/us0907/" target="newwindow">No Easy Answers: Sex Offender Laws in the U.S.</a> (Human Rights Watch)</li> <li><a href="http://www.justicepolicy.org/content.php?hmID=1811&smID=1581&ssmID=67" target="newwindow">Employment, Wages, and Public Policy</a> (Justice Policy Institute)</li> </ul> <a href="#">Back to top.</a> Newsletters 21675

2009-09-22

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--- - Colorado - Hawaii - Kansas - Oklahoma - Oregon <a name=feature>States Establish Reentry Councils to Oversee Initiatives, Promote Interagency Collaboration</a> Several states recently established councils that will study, promote, and help carry out effective reentry policies. Drawing their membership from various government entities, as well as community-based organizations, these councils evaluate reentry practices, make recommendations for improvements to policies, and guide the implementation of responses to people released from prisons and jails. The goal of these councils is to address the factors that contribute to high rates of recidivism, thereby increasing public safety and reducing corrections spending. In May 2007, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski issued an executive order establishing the Governor’s Reentry Council, a 19-member group composed of leaders from corrections, law enforcement, and social services agencies, as well as community-based organizations. The council is charged with reviewing Oregon’s existing reentry policies, making specific recommendations for improvements to these policies, and coordinating new initiatives across the state. According to a recent <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/P2007/press_052507.shtml"target="newwindow">press release</a> from the governor’s office, one-third of the people released from prison in Oregon are convicted of a new felony within three years of their release. The new Reentry Council is committed to lowering this rate and increasing public safety through collaborative, statewide efforts to promote individuals’ safe and successful transitions from prisons or jails to the community. Several other states passed legislation to the same effect during their most recent session: <ul> <li>Oklahoma passed <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/2007-08bills/HB/HB2101_ENR.RTF" target="newwindow">House Bill 2101</a> to establish an 11-member Reentry Policy Council to oversee the Department of Corrections’ policies and programs relating to prisoners’ return to their communities. The bill also calls for the creation of an interagency task force to propose new strategies to lower the state’s recidivism rate, identify promising practices in reentry, and develop programs to provide vocational, educational, and family services. <li>Hawaii adopted <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/SB932_CD1_.htm" target="newwindow">Senate Bill 932</a> to create a statewide reentry plan to provide employment, family support, and other services for people who are in prison or have been released. The bill also establishes a committee, whose members represent a diverse range of disciplines and perspectives, that will identify and facilitate collaboration among reentry service providers. <li>In Colorado, <a style="text-decoration:underline" href="http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/Clics2007A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/A675D55CE6BA5AD08725727300837E4A?Open&file=1358_enr.pdf" target="newwindow">House Bill 07-1358</a> has created a Criminal and Juvenile Justice Commission that has 26 members representing multiple agencies. The commission will analyze sentencing policies and practices and investigate effective alternatives to incarceration, with the overarching goal of reducing recidivism in the state. </ul> These new councils and advisory groups follow examples set by other states, such as Kansas. Last year, as part of its Offender Risk Reduction and Reentry plan, Kansas established a Reentry Policy Council that includes key cabinet secretaries and legislative officials. The council promotes collaboration among state agencies to provide wide-ranging services including employment training, housing assistance, and substance abuse treatment; advocates for effective reentry policy; and develops neighborhood-based strategies to reduce recidivism. Recently, the council created a steering committee of deputy managers which holds biweekly meetings to discuss various reentry issues in depth, identify key issues to address, and establish specific task forces when needed. To read more about Kansas’s reentry initiatives and recent legislation, see the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.com/newsletters/1672" target="newwindow">May 24, 2007</a> and <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.com/newsletters/1674" target="newwindow">July 27, 2007</a> issues of this newsletter. For more information about developing effective reentry policies and promoting interagency collaboration to address the needs of people who are released from prisons and jails, see Part I of the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://vm01.csg-jc.railsmachina.com/Report/PartI" target="newwindow">Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">   <a name=announcements_events>Upcoming Events</a> Internet/Satellite Broadcast on Interagency Collaborations in Reentry “A Model for Social Justice: Collaboration Between Faith-Based and Community Organizations and Corrections” National Institute of Corrections September 12, 2007 Click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.nicic.org/Training/SIB091207" target="newwindow">here</a> for more information. National Training on Graduated Sanctions in Juvenile Justice National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges September 17-20, 2007 New Orleans, LA Click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ncjfcj.org/content/view/696/315/" target="newwindow">here</a> for more information. 8th Annual Conference on Preventing Crime “Helping Build Safer Communities” National Crime Prevention Council October 3-5, 2007 Atlanta, GA Click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ncpc.org/training/national-conference" target="newwindow">here</a> for more information. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=funding_opps>Funding Opportunities</a> Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is soliciting applications for participation as a Research Center in the second phase of the national Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Studies. The goal of this research program is to develop and test service models that integrate public health and public safety approaches for adults and adolescents with drug abuse and addictive disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system. Grantees will conduct research on implementing and sustaining improved treatment services for adolescents and adults with substance use disorders who are returning to the community after detention or incarceration. Research will be carried out in prisons, jails, reentry drug courts, and community-based treatment settings in collaboration with other awardees and with NIDA. Application Deadline: September 26, 2007 (Letter of Intent); October 26, 2007 (Proposal) For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-002.html" target="newwindow">here</a>. Small Grant Program for Counties to Develop Jail Diversion Programs for People with Mental Illnesses The National Association of Counties will provide a maximum of five seed grants of up to $5,000 to assist counties with developing and implementing plans to divert people with mental illnesses from jails into community-based treatment programs. Grants will support a variety of activities including assessing the counties’ needs for mental health treatment programs, reviewing evidence-based approaches and promising practices in jail diversion, and the formation of strategic planning groups comprising local criminal justice and mental health systems officials. This year, preference will be given to plans proposing services to facilitate access to federal benefits, such as SSI/SSDI and Medicare/Medicaid, in order to help individuals with mental illnesses obtain medication, health care, housing, food, and employment. Application Deadline: September 28, 2007 For more information about this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline"; href="http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=New_Technical_Assistance&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=24486" target="newwindow">here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070827/METRO/708270388" target="newwindow"> 8/27/07 - Reentry program leaders: More money needed as more prisoners released (The Detroit News (MI))</a> Service providers who assist people returning from prisons and jails to the community say they are concerned about the lack of reentry resources in Michigan and claim that a plan to cut costs by freeing more people from prisons will strain caseloads and spur more crime. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20070826/NEWS/708260327" target="newwindow"> 8/26/07 - Budget may cut prisoners' hard time (The Herald Tribune (FL))</a> Florida Corrections Secretary James McDonough is proposing a plan that would cut the state's corrections budget by ten percent by moving people from prisons to work release, substance abuse, and education programs. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews/hc-release0826.artaug26,0,1763984.story?coll=hc_tab01_layout" target="newwindow"> 8/26/2007 - Inmates among us (Hartford Courant (CT))</a> Community release programs, proponents say, give people who are incarcerated the best chance at being successful when they are released. But the slayings of a mother and two daughters in Cheshire last month--which police say were committed by two parolees who met when they lived in a halfway house--have ignited a debate about the effectiveness of such programs. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/articles/2007/08/24/news/state/news144.txt" target="newwindow"> 8/24/2007 - Faith-based sentencing program analyzed (News Examiner-Enterprise (OK))</a> The difference in the recidivism rates between people who participated in a faith-based program after their release from prison and those did not appears to be statistically insignificant, a member of the Oklahoma Sentencing Commission said Thursday after reviewing a preliminary report. </ul> <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more reentry news collected by the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Publications on Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://books.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11988" target="newwindow">Parole, Desistance from Crime, and Community Integration</a> (National Research Council of the National Academies) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.urban.org/publications/1001090.html" target="newwindow">Finding Work on the Outside: Results from the Returning Home Project in Chicago</a> (Urban Institute) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/pdfs/rentry_booklet_online.pdf" target="newwindow">Venturing Beyond the Gates: Facilitating Successful Reentry with Entrepreneurship</a> (John Jay College of Criminal Justice) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/article/detail/1723" target="newwindow">2007 Policy Guide on Homelessness</a> (National Alliance to End Homelessness) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.kidscount.org/sld/databook.jsp" target="newwindow">Kids Count 2007 Data Book</a> (Annie E. Casey Foundation) </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please e-mail <A style="text-decoration:underline;" href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org">editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21674

2009-09-22

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--- [] <a name=feature>CSG Justice Center Convenes Meeting of State and Community Leaders to Foster Reentry Partnerships</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center convened a meeting in Miami last month to discuss how to improve collaborations between state governments and community and faith-based organizations to serve people released from prisons and jails. Representatives from federal and state agencies, community and faith-based organizations, and private foundations offered their perspectives on the most significant factors limiting successful reentry partnerships, and what can be done to address them. The Justice Center convened the meeting with support from the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA" target="newwindow">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, U.S. Department of Justice, and the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.dol.gov/cfbci" target="newwindow">Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives</a>, U.S. Department of Labor. Community-based organizations have an extensive history of outreach and service to people involved in the criminal justice system. However, there are numerous challenges that impede efforts by state governments and community and faith-based organizations to work together on reentry issues. Staffs of such organizations may have insufficient training to address the unique needs of people released from prisons and jails, difficulty complying with government regulations and contract requirements, and inexperience tracking and reporting program outcomes. Government agencies may have limited familiarity with small, neighborhood-based organizations and the services they provide, and their requests for proposals may not reach this constituency. Participants at the Miami meeting discussed strategies to overcome these challenges, focusing on five specific areas for improvement: <ul> <li>opening the lines of communication between state governments and community-based organizations</li> <li>providing training and resources to improve services and help organizations navigate state agencies</li> <li>making government agencies more accessible to smaller organizations</li> <li>defining target populations</li> <li>measuring performance outcomes</li> </ul> Co-chairs of the meeting were Justice Center board members Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry (D) and Senator Stephen Wise (R). Aubry is a member of the New York State Assembly and chairs the Assembly’s Correction Committee. Wise is a Florida State senator. He also chairs the Education Pre-K-12 Appropriations Committee and is a member of the Criminal Justice Committee in the Florida State Legislature. “People returning home from prison or jail face many obstacles to starting a new life and becoming productive, law-abiding citizens,” Assemblyman Aubry said. “Partnerships between state governments and organizations focused on reentry needs of prisoners can help support this transition, improving not only the lives of people returning home from jail or prison, but also the lives of their friends and families, and the safety of their communities and neighborhoods.” “Community and faith-based organizations have a wealth of experience addressing the safe and successful return of people released from prison or jail, such as helping them find employment, housing, and substance abuse treatment,” Senator Wise said. “The Justice Center’s meeting was an important step toward creating a policy guide that will address recidivism and encourage partnerships between these organizations and state governments.” The Justice Center will use the group’s input to develop a policy guide that will provide recommendations for state governments to improve and expand collaborative efforts with community and faith-based organizations. The guide will also highlight several existing partnerships that are successfully addressing the needs of people released from prisons and jails. For more information about the Justice Center's work to facilitate successful reentry partnerships between state governments and community and faith-based organizations, please download the full <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/special_topics/reentry_partnerships" target="new window">project description</a> on the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org" target="newwindow">Reentry Policy Council website</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">   <a name="jr_update">JUSTICE REINVESTMENT PROJECT UPDATE: State and Local Leaders Kick Off New Communities Initiative in Wichita, KS</a> Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer, and Sedgwick County Commissioner Dave Unruh joined with other state and local leaders on July 12 to publicly launch the New Communities Initiative (NCI). The goal of this initiative is to integrate state, county, city, and private resources to increase public safety and improve the quality of life in the central northeast area of Wichita. Focusing initially on the central northeast area of Wichita, state and local leaders — including seven state cabinet secretaries, two city council members, the mayor, and the county manager — are collaborating with private sector leaders to increase public safety, redevelop the neighborhood’s housing stock, integrate and improve the delivery of services to support families, and expand employment opportunities for neighborhood residents. To achieve these goals, local and state officials are analyzing data and talking with residents about these issues, identifying which programs and resources currently overlap in particular neighborhoods and reallocating resources more effectively if need be. Although the initiative is just starting, state and local corrections agencies have already pooled resources to hire youth to work on neighborhood clean-up efforts over the summer, and county and city staff are working together to develop a detailed list of tax-delinquent and abandoned property in the area to redevelop. The efforts underway in Wichita are one component in Kansas’ Justice Reinvestment strategy, which aims to reduce spending on corrections, increase public safety, and improve conditions in the communities to which most people released from prison return. The Council of State Governments Justice Center provides technical assistance to Kansas policymakers with the support of the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA" target="newwindow">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, U.S. Department of Justice, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.pewpublicsafety.org" target="newwindow">Public Safety Performance Project</a>, and the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.soros.org" target="newwindow">Open Society Institute</a>. For more information on the NCI, please visit the Justice Center’s <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://justicereinvestment.org/states/kansas" target="newwindow">Justice Reinvestment project website</a> or view a <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.wichita.gov/NR/rdonlyres/0F15A80A-1630-4F79-B911-A73FB9B357BB/0/May2007NCIPresentationFINAL1.ppt" target="newwindow">presentation</a> by the City of Wichita. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements_events>Announcements</a> Call for Presenters: National Correctional Industries Association Annual Training Conference The National Correctional Industries Association (NCIA) is seeking workshop proposals for its annual training conference, which will be held March 9-12, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Approximately 500 correctional industries practitioners and commercial vendors are expected to attend. The conference will feature 90-minute workshops covering several topic areas, including prison and jail reentry and jail work programs. For more information about the NCIA conference and submission requirements for workshop proposals, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=2104" target="newwindow">here</a>. Upcoming Events Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives August 9, 2007 Minneapolis, MN Click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.dtiassociates.com/fbci/logisticsMN.cfm?location=MN" target="newwindow">here</a> to register by August 2, 2007. Global Justice Information Sharing Users' Conference U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance August 21-23, 2007 Chicago, IL Click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://registration2.iir.com/globalconference2007" target="newwindow">here</a> to register. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=funding_opps>Funding Opportunities</a> Substance Abuse Prevention and Prisoner Reentry Program The Prevention and Prisoner Reentry Program, sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will provide $50,000 to between 12 and 15 faith- and community-based organizations with existing reentry programs to facilitate capacity-building and collaboration with other crime prevention efforts. The CSAP Prevention and Prisoner Reentry Program was designed to achieve three goals: <ul> <li>to establish and strengthen collaborations between faith and community-based organizations and federal, state, and local governments in order to prevent and reduce substance abuse and crime</li> <li>to reduce substance abuse among youth and adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse</li> <li>to reduce recidivism rates of people released from prisons and jails by providing services, resources, and opportunities that will facilitate a successful transition into the community</li> </ul> Application Deadline: August 10, 2007 (Letter of Intent); September 4, 2007 (Proposal) For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=2103" target="newwindow">here</a>. Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Program Development and Capacity Building The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), U.S. Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART) Office, seeks applications for funding under the FY 2007 Juvenile Sex Offender Treatment Program Development and Capacity Building Program. The purpose of the solicitation is to provide support to applicants to develop or build capacity of residential treatment programs for juvenile sex offenders, in particular regarding reentry programming. Priority will be given to applications that propose evidence-based strategies. It is anticipated that awards will range from $500,000 to $1 million for a period of 24 months. Application Deadline: August 9, 2007 For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2007/SMART.pdf" target="newwindow">here</a>. New York City Justice Corps The City University of New York through John Jay College of Criminal Justice, in consultation with the New York City Department of Correction and the New York City Center for Economic Opportunity, is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking an organization to develop, implement, and manage the New York City Justice Corps, a civic justice corps project serving New York City youth living in three target areas who are returning from jail or prison or serving probation sentences. The goal of the NYC Justice Corps is to reduce poverty and recidivism among youth ages 16-24 involved in the criminal justice system. Working in conjunction with groups based in three target areas, the NYC Justice Corps will place participants in paid transitional employment internships and community service projects in their home communities for six months and provide youth with mentoring, case management, and job placement and retention services. For more information about this funding opportunity and to obtain the RFP, click <a style="text-decoration:underline"; href="http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Newsletter/NYC_RFP_07.pdf" target="newwindow">here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/24/us/24calif.html?_r=1&oref=slogin" target=newwindow> 7/24/07 - New court to address California prison crowding (New York Times)</a> Two federal judges took a major step toward solving California’s prison overcrowding crisis by issuing orders recently to create a three-judge court that will be charged with reducing the number of people housed in state correctional facilities. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-07-22-ex-cons_N.htm" target="newwindow"> 7/22/2007 - Ex-cons' sentences don't always end with release (USA Today)</a> Hundreds of thousands of people are released from prisons and jails and re-enter their communities each year. They've served their time, but their conviction bars them from many jobs, state and federal aid, and some types of housing. Policymakers are beginning to consider whether the hodgepodge of state laws and regulations are protecting the public or creating an underclass of people who, after serving their sentence, cannot succeed in society. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/magazine/22juvenile-t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine&oref=slogin" target="newwindow"> 7/22/07 - How can you distinguish a budding pedophile from a kid with real boundary problems? (New York Times)</a> The significant controversy surrounding juvenile sex offenders isn't whether there is a problem; it's how to address it. When is parental or therapeutic intervention enough? What kind of therapy works best? And at what point should the judicial system get involved, and in what ways? <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.athensnews.com/issue/article.php3?story_id=28812" target="newwindow"> 7/19/2007 - Students and inmates join in educational partnership (Athens News (OH))</a> During the recent summer session, nine Ohio University sociology and criminology majors formed a class with a group of people imprisoned in Nelsonville's Hocking Correctional Facility. The class, which was offered through the university as part of the national Inside-Out Exchange Program, gave students an opportunity to discuss and develop community building strategies and alternative justice models. </ul> <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target=newwindow>Click here to see more reentry news collected by the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Publications on Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/college/research/What%20we%20know%20now.pdf" target=newwindow>Children, Families, and the Criminal Justice System: What We Know Now</a> (University of Illinois at Chicago) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://nicic.org/Library/022253" target=newwindow>Motivating Offenders to Change: A Guide for Probation and Parole</a> (National Institute of Corrections) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.transitionaljobs.net/ResearchEvals/Abby_Coppock.pdf" target=newwindow>Transitional Jobs: Overcoming Barriers to Employment</a> (University of Chicago) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.russellsage.org/publications/books/070104.841679" target=newwindow>Barriers to Reentry?: The Labor Market for Released Prisoners in Post-Industrial America</a> (Russell Sage Foundation) </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A style="text-decoration:underline;" href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org">editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21673

2009-09-22

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--- - Pennsylvania <a name=feature1> Pennsylvania Legislators Consider Policy Options to Avert Prison Growth, Improve Outcomes for People with Mental Illness</a> State Republican and Democratic leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly recently requested analyses from the Council of State Governments Justice Center to determine why the prison population is growing and to develop cost-effective strategies to manage this growth. On Monday, June 4, the House and Senate Judiciary Committees held a rare joint hearing at which Dr. Tony Fabelo (senior research consultant to the Justice Center) and Dr. Fred Osher (the Justice Center’s director of health systems and services policy) presented analyses of the factors driving the growth of Pennsylvania’s prison population. The experts also outlined several policy options that could have an immediate impact on the growth. Among the factors contributing to the state’s prison growth, Dr. Fabelo cited county jail overcrowding, limited in-prison program capacity, high rates of revocation among people under community supervision, and the underutilization of state-based diversion strategies, such as the State Intermediate Punishment program. To meet the challenges presented by this burgeoning prison population, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (PDOC) proposes a $700 million expansion plan, which includes the construction of three new prisons. During the hearing, however, Dr. Fabelo pointed out that even if the General Assembly approves the PDOC expansion plans, the Department will still be short approximately 9,279 beds by 2013. Using data gathered in cooperation with various state agencies, Dr. Fabelo recommended several policy options that, if adopted, could reduce this capacity shortfall. These recommendations include: <ul> <li>increasing the utilization of state diversion programs, <li>expanding capacity of intermediate sanction facilities for parole violators, and <li>establishing “risk reduction credits,” which would accelerate parole eligibility for people in prison who successfully complete educational, vocational, and substance abuse treatment programs while they are incarcerated. </ul> Dr. Osher also presented the findings of three fiscal impact studies of collaborative criminal justice/mental health diversion programs. The studies, commissioned by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 2003, were intended to inform the development of a statewide strategy that would address the growing number of people with mental illnesses coming into contact with the criminal justice system. The studies found that diversion programs can increase public safety, help people with mental illnesses succeed in the community, and save taxpayers money. In light of the study findings, Dr. Osher recommended that the Pennsylvania General Assembly provide a small amount of funding for a statewide competitive grant program to promote and replicate such programs across the state. Officials from the PDOC, the Board of Probation and Parole, and the Department of Public Welfare testified in support of this grant program. The Council of State Governments Justice Center provides technical assistance to Pennsylvania policymakers with the support of the U.S. Department of Justice <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA" target="newwindow">Bureau of Justice Assistance</a>, <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.pewcorrections.org" target="newwindow">The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Public Safety Performance Project</a>, and the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.nicic.org" target="newwindow">National Institute of Corrections</a>. For more information on the projected growth of Pennsylvania’s prison population, strategies to manage this growth, and copies of the presentation and testimonies given at the June 4 hearing, please visit the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.justicereinvestment.org/states/pennsylvania/pubmaps-pa" target="newwindow">Justice Reinvestment project website</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">   <a name="scaupdate"> Senate Judiciary Committee Mark-up Scheduled for Second Chance Act</a> The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled the mark-up for S. 1060, the Second Chance Act, for Thursday, June 28, 2007. The bill is the first piece of comprehensive legislation designed to reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and help ensure the safe and successful return of prisoners to the community. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the Second Chance Act of 2007, H.R. 1593, when the members of Congress return after the Fourth of July recess. The Second Chance Act authorizes up to $65 million dollars in grants to state and local governments to develop initiatives to address the various obstacles faced by individuals returning to their communities from prison or jail and a $15 million reentry program for community and faith-based organizations to deliver mentoring and transitional services for people returning from prison or jail. For more information on the Second Chance Act, please click <a style="text-decoration:underline" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act" target="newwindow">here</a> or email <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="mailto:scainfo@csg.org">scainfo@csg.org</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">   <a name="markup"> House of Representatives Includes $10 Million for Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Program in 2008 Appropriations Bill</a> On June 11, the U.S. House of Representatives Commerce, Justice, Science subcommittee marked up its 2008 appropriations bill. In the bill, the House reserved $10 million for mental health courts and adult and juvenile criminal justice and mental health collaboration program grants authorized by the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act. Representatives William Delahunt (D-MA), Jim Ramstad (R-MN), and Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) worked closely with their colleagues to ensure continued funding for the program in fiscal year 2008 (FY08). Other key supporters included Representatives Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Sue Myrick (R-NC), and James Langevin (D-RI). The grant program, called the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program, is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and provides support to states to improve collaboration among criminal justice and mental health agencies. The program received $5 million in FY06 and FY07. Two other criminal justice programs included in the House appropriations bill are the Justice Assistance Grant program, which is slated to receive $600 million (an $80 million increase compared to FY07), and the Community Oriented Policing Services program, which is funded at $725 million (an $183 increase compared to FY07). The bill also included $40 million in appropriations for the Drug Courts program and $10 million for the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program. The full text of the bill and committee report will not be made public until after the full committee mark-up. The Senate Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee will consider its FY08 appropriations bill later this summer. For more information on FY08 appropriations, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://consensusproject.org/downloads/House_CJS_Mark-Up.pdf">here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements> Upcoming Events</a> American Probation and Parole Association 32nd Annual Training Institute July 8-11, 2007 Philadelphia, PA <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.appa-net.org/institutes/2007_philadelphia/attend/">http://www.appa-net.org/institutes/2007_philadelphia/attend/</a> State Associations of Addiction Services 2007 National Conference July 8-11, 2007 Chicago, IL <a style="text-decoration:underline" href="http://www.saasnet.org">http://www.saasnet.org</a> U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs: 2007 National Symposium on Sex Offender Management and Accountability July 25-27, 2007 Indianapolis, IN <a style="text-decoration:underline" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/smart/symposium.htm">http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/smart/symposium.htm</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=fundingopps> Funding Opportunities</a> Sentencing & Incarceration Alternatives Grants The mission of the Open Society Institute’s Sentencing & Incarceration Alternatives Project is to reduce the scale of incarceration in the United States. The Project supports advocates, researchers, and practitioners advancing campaigns, research initiatives, and policies that seek to reduce the length of criminal sentences, promote alternatives to incarceration that emphasize rehabilitation and treatment, limit prison growth, and address other issues related to incarceration. Application Deadline: Rolling For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice/focus_areas/sentencing/guidelines" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/231727.html" target=newwindow> 6/20/2007 – “Parole policy change pushed” (Sacramento Bee)</a></li> Seeking to free up space for the rehabilitation of people housed in correctional facilities, a state panel reviewing prison school and job-training programs will recommend that California stop reincarcerating some low-risk parole violators, the panel's chairwoman said Tuesday. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/A_NEWS/706200320/-1/A_NEWS"> 6/20/2007 – “Calaveras officials back regional reentry prison” (Stockton Record (CA))</a> People nearing the end of their prison terms and preparing to return to the community in San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Amador counties might someday find themselves in a single regional rehabilitation prison. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003752170_prison17m.html"> 6/18/2007 – “Crowded prisons, ex-inmates finding hope in job programs” (Seattle Times)</a> As prison overcrowding forces the state to examine ways of releasing individuals early, reentry programs are becoming increasingly important to prevent recidivism, say officials with the state Department of Corrections. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/06/18/many_sex_offenders_end_up_at_shelters/" target=newwindow> 6/18/2007 - "Many sex offenders end up at shelters" (Boston Globe)</a></li> Nearly three years after the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that the state could post the names, addresses, and photos of the most dangerous sex offenders on a public website, sex offenders released from prison now often end up in homeless shelters, where it is difficult to track them, and a range of potential victims sleep nearby. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=217204" target=newwindow> 6/18/2007 - "States seek alternatives to more prisons" (Stateline.org)</a></li> Though the construction of prisons continues as states struggle to provide enough beds for those behind bars, legislators increasingly are looking at other ways to free up space and save money, including expanded programs to help prevent offenders from being incarcerated again, earlier release dates for low-risk inmates and sentencing revisions. </ul> <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/pjim06.htm" target=newwindow>Prison and Jail Inmates at Midyear 2006</a> (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.urban.org/publications/311471.html" target=newwindow>Returning Home: Exploring the Challenges and Successes of Recently Released Texas Prisoners</a> (Urban Institute) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://sentencingproject.org/Admin/Documents/news/womenincj_total.pdf" target=newwindow>Women in the Criminal Justice System</a> (The Sentencing Project) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.theiacp.org/profassist/reentry/ReentryProgramGuide.pdf" target=newwindow>Building an Offender Reentry Program: A Guide for Law Enforcement</a> (International Association of Chiefs of Police/U.S. Dept. of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/216_publication.pdf" target=newwindow>Ready4Work In Brief: Update on Outcomes; Reentry May Be Critical for States, Cities</a> (Public/Private Ventures) </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A style="text-decoration:underline;" href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org">editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21672

2009-09-22

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--- - Kansas <a name=feature1>Kansas Governor Signs Bipartisan Legislation into Law to Increase Public Safety, Reduce Recidivism, and Avert Spending on Corrections</a> On May 22, 2007, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, joined by Senator John Vratil, Representative Mike O’Neal, Representative Pat Colloton, and Senator Greta Goodwin, held a bill signing ceremony for <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/14.pdf" target=newwindow>Senate Bill 14</a>, “An Act Concerning the Department of Corrections.” The bill creates a performance-based grant program for community corrections programs to design local strategies to reduce revocations and establishes a 60 day program credit for participants who successfully complete educational, vocational, and treatment programs. To implement SB14, the legislature appropriated $4.4 million for the community corrections grant program while Governor Sebelius included $2.4 million in her budget to fund the expansion of programs for people in prison and on parole supervision, including behavioral health care programs. “Kansas is dedicated to smart and tough criminal justice policy,” said Sebelius. “By holding individuals who committed less-serious crimes accountable for completing treatment and vocational programs, we will ensure we have space in our prisons to keep violent offenders behind bars.” According to an analysis completed by the Kansas Department of Corrections, most people are released from prison without completing programs to reduce their risk to public safety. Seventy-two percent of people in need of vocational education and 52 percent of people in need of substance abuse treatment did not participate in relevant programs prior to their release. The new initiatives that the law establishes resulted in part from a bipartisan, Joint Task Force on Comprehensive Corrections established by House Speaker Melvin Neufeld and Senate President Stephen Morris. Task Force members worked closely with state officials and national experts from the Council of State Governments Justice Center to pursue a justice reinvestment strategy to help manage the growth of the prison population, save the state money, and increase public safety. According to a 2006 projection released by the Kansas Sentencing Commission, the prison population was projected to increase by 26 percent over the next 10 years. By implementing SB14, the state is expected to avert building 1,292 beds for ten years, and save $80.2 million over the next five years, although the actual savings will depend on when the state decides to build additional correctional facilities. “Kansas faced a daunting public safety problem - how to reduce recidivism, help ex-offenders become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens, stave off exploding prison growth, and save taxpayers money,” said Adam Gelb, Project Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Public Safety Performance Project. “By tackling the issue with a commitment to data-driven policy, strong bipartisan leadership and a focus on fiscal responsibility, Kansas is leading the way in smart-on-crime public policy.” The bipartisan focus on improving outcomes for people released from prison in Kansas has attracted the support of a number of national foundations and associations. The Technical assistance to Kansas policymakers over the past year, including analyses of the prison population were made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Public Safety Performance Project, U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, and the National Institute of Corrections. In January 2007, the JEHT Foundation awarded a $4.67 million multi-year grant to the Kansas Department of Correction to support state and local reentry and risk reduction efforts. To learn more about the justice reinvestment strategy and the technical assistance the Council of State Governments Justice Center is providing to Kansas and other states around the country, please visit: <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.justicereinvestment.org">www.justicereinvestment.org</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">   <a name=feature2>Council of State Governments Justice Center Launches Justice Reinvestment Website</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center recently unveiled a new resource for policymakers: a website about its <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.justicereinvestment.org" target=newwindow>Justice Reinvestment Initiative</a>. Through its Justice Reinvestment Initiative, the Justice Center provides intensive technical assistance to policymakers interested in reducing their state's spending on corrections, increasing public safety, and improving conditions in the neighborhoods to which most people released from prison return. The new website explains how justice reinvestment works. It also provides reports, policy briefs, and maps that the Justice Center has developed as part of its technical assistance to officials in states where bipartisan groups of policymakers are pursuing a justice reinvestment strategy, including Texas, Kansas, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Nevada, and Arizona. These materials summarize the projected growth of the states' prison populations, identify factors driving that growth, and provide maps illustrating how state expenditures overlap and may be concentrated in a handful of neighborhoods. The Justice Reinvestment Initiative receives funding support through the Public Safety Performance Project, an operating project of the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.pewtrusts.com" target=newwindow>Pew Charitable Trusts</a>; the U.S. Department of Justice, <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA" target=newwindow>Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)</a>; and the <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.soros.org" target=newwindow>Open Society Institute</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Job Openings: Council of State Governments Justice Center The Justice Center is seeking qualified applicants for the following positions: <ul> <li>Operations Director <li>Project Director, Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project <li>Project Coordinator, Criminal Justice/Mental Health Consensus Project <li>Project Coordinator, Reentry Policy Council/Justice Reinvestment Initiative <li>Research Associate </ul> The above positions may be assigned to the Justice Center's New York City or Bethesda, MD offices. For detailed position descriptions and application instructions, please visit: <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/about_us/job-openings/" target=newwindow>http://justicecenter.csg.org/about_us/job-openings</a> Call for Presenters: 8th Annual Inside/Out Summit, "Critical Juncture: Innovative Solutions for Addressing the Impact of Youth and Adult Incarceration in Our Communities" Sponsored by Centerforce and the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice October 22-23, 2007 San Francisco, CA Centerforce and the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice are seeking dynamic and educational presentations in the form of workshops, panel discussions, or plenary sessions. Submissions should include detailed information on how the presentation will share knowledge and expertise, and specifically meet a community need. For more information regarding submission requirements, including presentation topics and criteria, click here: <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.centerforce.org/summit/2007_presenters.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.centerforce.org/summit/2007_presenters.pdf</a> The deadline for proposal submissions is August 2, 2007. To learn more about the Summit, visit: <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.centerforce.org/summit" target=newwindow>http://www.centerforce.org/summit</a> Upcoming Events: National Alliance on Mental Illness 2007 National Convention June 20-24, 2007 San Diego, CA <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=convention" target=newwindow>http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=convention</a> State Associations of Addiction Services 2007 National Conference July 8-11, 2007 Chicago, IL <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.saasnet.org" target=newwindow>http://www.saasnet.org</a> National Commission on Correctional Health Care – "Correctional Mental Health: Bridging the Gap" July 15-16, 2007 Las Vegas, NV <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ncchc.org/education/mental2007.html" target=newwindow>http://www.ncchc.org/education/mental2007.html</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=fundingopps>Funding Opportunities</a> Sex Offender Management Training and Technical Assistance Program FY 2007 Competitive Grant Announcement The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for the development and implementation of training and technical assistance under the Comprehensive Approaches to Sex Offender Management (CASOM) Grant Program. The CASOM Grant Program assists state, local, and tribal jurisdictions in improving their adult and juvenile sex offender management policies and practices by critically examining existing approaches to managing sex offenders in the community. The Sex Offender Management Training and Technical Assistance Program will complement the CASOM Grant Program by providing training and technical assistance to jurisdictions that are developing strategies to address identified gaps and needs. The focus of the training and technical assistance will be twofold: 1) reduction of recidivism for sex offenders and 2) accountability for sex offenders as it relates to community-based supervision. Application Deadline: June 5, 2007. For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07SOMTTAsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. High-Risk Youth Offender Reentry and Family Strengthening Initiatives The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) is seeking applications for its High-Risk Youth Offender Reentry and Family Strengthening Initiatives. The 2006 National Report on Juvenile Offenders and Victims published by OJJDP suggests that substantial proportions of the juvenile reentry population are likely to need extensive supervision and support services when they return to the community. The purpose of the High-Risk Youth Offender Reentry Initiative is to facilitate juveniles' successful transition to their families and communities following confinement in a juvenile residential facility. The Initiative aims to reduce recidivism rates of youth who return to juvenile facilities and provide the critical services, resources, and opportunities that will allow a returning youth to successfully transition to adulthood. According to a 2005 report of the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, children living in two-parent households fare better than other children on a variety of socioeconomic measures. The purpose of the Family Strengthening Initiative is to foster innovations and advancement in family strengthening strategies, programs, and interventions that focus on improving family economic success, family support systems, and building thriving and nurturing communities in which healthy families can pursue long-term goals. Application Deadline: June 8, 2007 For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=14021" target=newwindow>here</a>. Prevention and Support Services for Women Incarcerated or Newly Released Living With or at Risk for HIV-AIDS-STDs The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Public Health and Science, Office on Women's Health is awarding funding for programs that will increase health-related support services available to currently or recently incarcerated women who are infected with or at risk for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (HIV-AIDS-STDs). A 2002 report conducted by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care showed that the prevalence of communicable diseases among people in jail and prison is far greater than among other people of comparable ages. The delivery of health care to people who are incarcerated provides a significant opportunity to affect the ongoing health and well-being of people involved in the criminal justice system. However, institutional treatment must serve as a foundation for ongoing care in the community in order to contribute to individuals' successful reentry following their release. The goals for the grant program are: a) to develop and sustain comprehensive HIV-AIDS-STD prevention and support services to incarcerated and newly released women in collaboration with health care providers, social services, correctional facilities, and criminal justice offices, b) to establish community linkages and networks for ensuring a continuum of care, transitional support, and discharge planning, c) to improve the physical and mental health circumstances as well as quality of life of incarcerated and newly released women living with HIV-AIDS or at risk for infection. Application Deadline: June 11, 2007 For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="https://www.grantsolutions.gov/gs/preaward/previewPublicAnnouncement.do?cancelMapping=cancelToAnnouncements&id=7925" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/story/8911309p-8811295c.html" target=newwindow>5/23/2007 - "Transition training for inmates offers a new release on life" (Anchorage Daily News (AK))</a> More than 70 inmates took part in a one-day job fair Monday at Alaska's Spring Creek Correctional Center. Representatives from more than a dozen businesses, unions, nonprofits, and schools conducted mock interviews and dispensed real advice. This is the third year Spring Creek has held a job fair, which was paid for by federal grants to the prison's Youthful Offender Program. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/state/epaper/2007/05/23/m1a_CRIST_DOC_0523.html" target=newwindow>5/23/2007 - "Crist embraces new prison tack: coaching inmates for life outside" (Palm Beach Post (FL))</a> Florida Governor Charlie Crist's administration on Tuesday announced a revamp of corrections policies aimed at keeping people released from prisons and jails from winding up back behind bars. The new policy is a marked shift for the Florida Department of Corrections. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.newsok.com/article/3057108" target=newwindow>5/22/2007 - "OK House passes faith-based prisoner reentry program" (The Oklahoman)</a> Legislation that encourages churches and other faith-based groups to prepare people for life after prison and reduce the number of repeat offenders was overwhelmingly approved by the Oklahoma House Tuesday. <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5945039" target=newwindow>5/21/2007 - "Sealing of crime pasts up to Ritter" (Denver Post)</a> Under a proposed law awaiting Colorado Governor Bill Ritter's signature, people convicted of certain nonsexual crimes could petition a judge to seal their criminal records 10 years after completing prison time, probation or parole. </li> </ul> <a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=411467" target=newwindow>Innovative Employment Approaches and Programs for Low-Income Families</a> (Urban Institute) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=901066" target=newwindow>One Year Out: Experiences of Prisoners Returning to Cleveland </a> (Urban Institute) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/APIC_Model.pdf" target=newwindow>Short-term Strategies to Improve Reentry of Jail Populations: Expanding and Implementing the APIC Model</a> (American Jails) <li><a style="text-decoration:underline;" href="http://www.dc.state.ks.us/publications/program-evaluation-reports/ProgramsEvaluationVII.pdf/view" target=newwindow>2007 Offender Programs Evaluation</a> (KS Dept. of Corrections) </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A style="text-decoration:underline;" href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org">editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21671

2009-09-22

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--- - Indiana - Iowa - Kentucky - Missouri - Rhode Island <a name=feature1>States Consider Laws to Address Legal Obstacles to Employment for People Released from Prisons and Jails</a> Providing employment opportunities to individuals upon release from prison or jail is a critical step to facilitating their successful return to the community. According to a five-year study conducted by the <a href="http://www.uscourts.gov/fedprob/introduction.htm" target=newwindow>United States Probation and Pretrial Services System </a> and published in 2007, people convicted of federal offenses who are employed are more likely to complete their term of community supervision without revocation for technical violations or new criminal conduct. The study found that the conditional release of individuals under community supervision was seven times more likely to get revoked if they were unemployed at the start and end of supervision. Despite these findings, a wide range of legal and logistical obstacles continue to affect the ability of people released from prison or jail to find and maintain employment. Several states have recently introduced legislation to address some of these barriers. Two states have introduced legislation that facilitates expungement of criminal records in certain cases: <ul><li> <a href="http://www.lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/07RS/HB16.htm" target=newwindow >Kentucky House Bill 16 </a>, which was introduced on January 2, 2007, would allow individuals convicted of one Class D felony, or a series of Class D felonies arising from a single incident, to petition for expungement of their felony record ten years after adjudication. <li> <a href="http://house.state.mo.us/bills071/bills/HB697.htm" target=newwindow>Missouri House Bill 697 </a>, which was introduced on February 1, 2007, would require the Office of the Missouri State Public Defender to develop brochures, pamphlets, and other materials on the state's expungement procedures, eligibility requirements, and process for obtaining attorney referrals.</li> </ul> Other states also introduced legislation relating to expunging and sealing of criminal records this year: <ul><li> <a href="http://coolice.legis.state.ia.us/Legislation/82ndGA//Bills/SenateFiles/Introduced/SF531.html" target=newwindow>Iowa Senate Bill 531 </a> <li><a href="http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2007&session=1&request=getBill&docno=1709" target=newwindow>Ind iana House Bill 1709 </a> <li><a href="http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText07/SenateText07/S0194.pdf" target=newwindow>Rhode Island Senate Bill 194 </a></li> </ul> <a href="http://www.sentencingproject.org/" target=newwindow >The Sentencing Project </a> has released a new resource, <a href="http://www.sentencingproject.org/PublicationDetails.aspx?PublicationID=486" target=newwindow>Relief from the Collateral Consequences of a Criminal Conviction: A State-by-State Resource Guide </a>, which offers a comprehensive survey of laws and practices relating to obtaining relief from penalties that accompany a criminal conviction in each state. The resource includes a state-by-state breakdown of judicial expungement, sealing, and set-aside laws. For more information on removing barriers to employment for people released from prisons and jails, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/issue_areas/education_employment" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=hillupdate>Second Chance Act: 108th – 110th Congress House Bill Comparison</a> The Second Chance Act of 2007 is designed to reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and help ensure the safe and successful return of prisoners to the community. The House bill, H.R. 1593, was reintroduced and passed by the full Judiciary Committee. Click <a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1893" target=newwindow>here</a> (pdf) to view a chart that summarizes the major provisions of the bill and compares the legislation to the versions introduced in 2004 and 2005. The full text of the legislation is available online at <a href="http://thomas.loc.gov" target=newwindow >http://thomas.loc.gov</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Call for Nominations - Discharge Planning for Successful Reentry The <a href="http://www.urban.org/" target=newwindow>Urban Institute </a>, in partnership and with support from the <a href="http://www.aecf.org/" target=nerwwindow >Annie E. Casey Foundation </a>, is seeking to identify exemplary discharge planning tools currently in use in prison and jail settings. In particular, they are looking for documents that serve any of the following functions: <ul><li> Specify an individual's needs and risks upon release from jail or prison, including logistical barriers (transportation to housing, employment, and social services, identification cards, etc.) and substantive challenges (housing, financial assistance and employment, health care, treatment needs, family reunification, etc.); <li>Describe the activities that should occur to prepare individuals for release from prison and jail; and <li>Define the conditions for release and expectations upon release for all stakeholders involved, including corrections staff, community supervision officers, human service providers, community organizations, and the individuals themselves. </li></ul> Documents can be sent by email or fax to Jenny Osborne at <A href="mailto:josborne@ui.urban.org" >josborne@ui.urban.org</A>, fax 202-296-2252. <blockquote>Submission deadline: May 15, 2007.</blockquote> Funding Opportunity: Workforce Investment Act Small Grassroots Organizations Connecting with the One-Stop Delivery System Solicitation for Grant Applications The <a href="http://www.doleta.gov/" target=newwindow >Employment and Training Administration </a>, U.S. Department of Labor, is accepting applications for funding from eligible grassroots organizations with the ability to connect to the local One-Stop Delivery System. The goal of this grant program is to help unemployed or underemployed individuals with barriers to employment by providing services that complement and support those offered by One Stop Career Centers, connecting individuals with the existing training, apprenticeship and job opportunities of the One-Stop Career Center, and providing post-job placement services to increase job retention. One-Stop Career Centers can provide important employment assistance for individuals preparing to leave correctional facilities. Individuals who are incarcerated are eligible for the basic job-listing and search services available through One-Stops under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. Many, if not most, prisoners meet the criteria for intensive services provided by the One-Stops, which include assessments, job counseling, and other assistance. <blockquote>Application Deadline: May 8, 2007</blockquote> For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a href="http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga/DOL-SGA-DFA-PY-06-11.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Funding Opportunity: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration FY2007 Services in Supportive Housing Program Grants The Center for Mental Health Services, <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/" target=newwindow >Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration </a>, is accepting applications for FY 2007 for Services in Supportive Housing Program grants. The purpose of this program is to help end chronic homelessness by funding services for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness in coordination with existing permanent supportive housing resources. The Services in Supportive Housing Program addresses the issue of chronic homelessness by funding the services aspect of permanent supportive housing programs. The "services aspect" of supportive housing programs includes such program activities as outreach, case management, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and assistance in obtaining benefits. In contrast, the "housing aspect" of supportive housing includes such activities as renovations, insurance, and property management. <blockquote>Application Deadline: May 22, 2007</blockquote> For more information on this funding opportunity and its eligibility requirements, click <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/Grants/2007/sm_07_014.aspx" target=newwdinow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: International Community Corrections Association's Annual Washington. D.C. Community Corrections Public Policy Forum April 23-25, 2007 Washington, D.C. <a href="http://www.iccaweb.org/index.php?section=4" target=newwindow >http://www.iccaweb.org/index.php?section=4</a> PowerNet of Dayton- Raising the Bar: A New Paradigm in Ex-Offender Reentry May 3-5, 2007 Dayton, OH <a href="http://www.powernetofdayton.org/main.asp" target=newwindow >http://www.powernetofdayton.org/main.asp</a> National Commission on Correctional Health Care: Updates in Correctional Health Care May 5-8, 2007 Orlando, FL <a href="http://www.ncchc.org/education/index.html" target=newwindow >http://www.ncchc.org/education/index.html</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/04/15/changes_weighed_on_prison_sentences/" target=n ewwindow>4/15/07 - "Changes weighed on prison sentences" (Boston Globe) </a> Governor Deval Patrick has launched a comprehensive review of the state's mandatory sentencing laws to help stop the "revolving door" in the state's prison system. Administration officials say that mandatory minimum sentences, which eliminate judges' discretion in certain cases, drive up the cost of corrections and make it less likely that prisoners will participate in programs that could help them reenter society when they are released. <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/business/yourmoney/15home.html?_r=1&ref=yourmoney&oref=slogin" target=newwindow>4/15/07 - "Willy Wonka? Not Exactly. But He Does Change Lives" (New York Times) </a> Michael Altman, owner of Tumbador Chocolate, a chocolate factory in the Sunset Park section of Brooklyn, has filled most of the low-level jobs at his factory with ex-convicts. It's part of a personal mission to be a good corporate citizen after a successful career as an executive recruiter. Eight of Mr. Altman's 24 employees have served time for violent crimes. Mr. Altman hired them through Strive, a nonprofit group in East Harlem that offers job counseling and placement services to ex-convicts, the homeless, and victims of domestic violence. <li><a href="http://www.sptimes.com/2007/04/14/Opinion/More_to_do_on_offende.shtml" target=newwindow>4/14/07 - "Editorial: More to do on offenders' rights" (St. Petersburg Times(FL)) </a> PBy changing clemency rules, Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet took a significant step toward enabling more ex-offenders who have completed their sentences to regain their civil rights. The challenge now is to resist the temptation to declare "mission accomplished," because the task is not complete. <li><a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/O/OR_DRUG_TREATMENT_OROL-?SITE=ORCOR&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT" target=newwindow>4/13/07 - "Oregon bill would limit early release program" (Corvallis Gazette Times (OR)) </a> Prosecutors and prison officials are supporting legislation that would reform the Oregon's Alternative Incarceration Program, which offers felons less prison time if they agree to drug and alcohol treatment. The bills, presented to the House Judiciary Committee this week, are aimed at preserving treatment options, but preventing violent offenders from getting an early release from prison. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/211_publication.pdf" target=newwindow>Call to Action: How Programs in Three Cities Responded to the Prisoner Reentry Crisis </a> (Public/Private Ventures) <li><A href="http://www.ppv.org/ppv/publications/assets/212_publication.pdf" target=newwindow>Mentoring Ex-Prisoners in the Ready4Work Reentry Initiative </A>(Public/Private Ventures) <li><A href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411433.html" target=newwindow>The Housing Landscape for Returning Prisoners in the District </A> (Urban Institute) <li><A href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/pub.asp?docid=07-03-1901" target=newwindow>Washington's Dangerous Mentally Ill Offender Law: Program Costs and Developments </A>(Washington State Institute for Public Policy) <li><A href="http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/02220701rts.pdf" target=newwindow>Indiana Supreme Court Child Support Ruling (In re: Marriage of Lambert No. 32S01-0604-CV-136) </A> </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21670

2009-09-22

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--- [] <a name=feature1>Second Chance Act Reintroduced in House of Representatives</a> Federal prisoner reentry legislation, the Second Chance Act of 2007, was reintroduced yesterday in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Danny Davis (D - IL) and Chris Cannon (R-UT). The bill, H.R. 1593, which has broad bipartisan support, will help states and communities better address challenges associated with reentry by authorizing grants to support state and local reentry initiatives focused on employment, housing, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and children and family services. The same day the <a href="http://judiciary.house.gov/committeestructure.aspx?committee=6" target="newwindow">House Judiciary Committee Crime Subcommittee</a> held a hearing on the bill to discuss the multiple challenges related to the return of people who are incarcerated from prisons to their communities. The majority of members on the Crime Subcommittee are original cosponsors of the bill, which builds on the work from the last two sessions of Congress, and plan to move the bill quickly through the House this year. Cosponsors include Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D - MI), Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R - TX), former Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R - WI), current Chair of the Crime Subcommittee Bobby Scott (D - VA) and Ranking Member Randy Forbes (R - VA), former Crime Subcommittee Chair Howard Coble (D - NC), and Judiciary Committee members Reps. Chris Cannon (D - UT), Steve Chabot (R - OH), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D - TX), Hank Johnson (D - GA), and Adam Schiff (D - CA). To view the list of original cosponsors, please <a href="http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=109_cong_bills&docid=f%3Ah1704ih.txt " target="newwindow">click here</a>. "There is a growing need to address rising prison populations and high recidivism rates," said Massachusetts State Representative Mike Festa, chair of the Council of State Governments Justice Center Charter Group. "The reintroduction of the Second Chance Act sends a strong message of federal support for reentry initiatives that have already begun to develop at the state and local levels." The hearing focused on the importance of community-based reentry services and substance abuse treatment for people returning from prisons and jails. Witnesses included Stefan LoBuglio, Chief, <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/docr/PRC/PRC_GRP.asp" target="newwindow">Pre-Rele ase and Reentry Services for Montgomery County, MD</a>; Dr. Roger Peters, Chairman and Professor, <a href="http://mhlp.fmhi.usf.edu/web/mhlp/index.cfm" target="newwindow" >Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida</a>; George McDonald, President of the <a href="http://www.doe.org/" target="newwindow" >Doe Fund, Inc.</a>; Steve Lufburrow, President and CEO of <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about" target="newwindow" >Goodwill Industries</a>; and Jack Cowley, National Director, <a href="http://alpha.org/prisons/" target="newwindow">Alpha for Prisons and Reentry</a>. To view the full witness list and submitted testimony, <a href="http://judiciary.house.gov/oversight.aspx?ID=286" target="newwindow">click here</a>. Witnesses all provided an overview of the impact of reentry programs in their states, particularly those targeted at individuals with mental illnesses or co-occuring disorders, and emphasized the importance of modest federal support through legislation like the Second Chance Act in encouraging states to implement or expand such work. "Wardens, parole officers, Sheriffs, line officers, community groups – we are ready to work on reentry. All we need is assistance and good models," said LoBuglio. Chairman Scott commended witnesses for working to improve prisoner reentry processes in their states and requested that other members of Congress pay attention to this issue moving forward. "This is an important issue that affects public safety, state spending, and the well-being of the individuals who cycle in and out of our corrections systems," said Rep. Scott. "The Second Chance Act offers a common sense, smart on crime approach to giving states the tools to slow and, we hope, one day end this cycle." For background information on the Second Chance Act, <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act" target="newwindow">click here</a> or email <A href="mailto:scainfo@csg.org" >scainfo@csg.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> GAINS Center Releases New Resource on Information Sharing Between Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems The <a href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/html/" target=newwindow >National GAINS Center</a> released a new resource to help criminal justice agencies and health services providers better understand the standards for protection and disclosure of health information established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The report, "<a href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/integrating/Dispelling_Myths.pdf" target=newwindow>Dispelling the Myths about Information Sharing Between the Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems (pdf)</a>," offers a concise explanation for why the HIPAA Privacy Rule do not create significant barriers to informationsharing between criminal justice and health services systems. Transmission of health and mental health information between corrections agencies and community-based mental health service providers is essential for coordinating continuity of care as a person moves from incarceration to the community. Unfortunately, myths about HIPAA's Privacy Rule often impede efforts to improve cross-system collaboration and information-sharing. This report describes the requirements for disclosure of protected health information and outlines special rules that apply to corrections facilities. In addition, the report highlights tools , such as universal consent forms, that can be used to promote informationsharing. To read more about HIPAA's Privacy Rule from the Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/Report/PartII/ChapterA/PolicyStatement8" target=newwindow>here</a> (see bottom of page). For more information on continuity of care and access to federal benefits, contact <A href="mailto:hglassberg@csg.org">Hope Glassberg</A>. Funding Opportunity: Basic Center Program Grants The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/" target=newwindow >Administration for Children and Families</a> is accepting applications for its Basic Center Program. This program seeks to address runaway and homeless youth problems by providing an alternative to involving runaway and homeless youth in the law enforcement, child welfare, mental health, and juvenile justice systems. The purpose of this grant is to establish or strengthen existing or proposed community-based Basic Center Programs to provide shelter and support services that assist youth in crisis, reunite youth with their families (as appropriate), strengthen family relationships, and help youth transition to safe and appropriate alternative living arrangements. <blockquote>Deadline for applications: April 23, 2007</blockquote> For more information on this funding opportunity, click <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/open/HHS-2007-ACF-ACYF-CY-0063.html" target=newwindow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: Stepping Stones to Recovery: A Training Curriculum for Case Managers and Other Advocates Assisting Adults who are Homeless with SSI and SSDI Applications April 23-26, 2007 Orlando, FL <a href="http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/listserv/1_9_07.htm" target=newwindow >http://gainscenter.samhsa.gov/listserv/1 _9_07.htm</a> ABA Commission on Effective Criminal Sanctions: Overcoming Legal Barriers to Reentry April 30 - May 1, 2007 Chicago, IL <a href="http://www.abanet.org/crimjust/calendar/cecsspringconference.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.abanet.org/cri mjust/calendar/cecsspringconference.pdf</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-21-2007/0004550291&EDATE" target=n ewwindow>3/21/07- "A Second Chance for Inmates" (PR Newswire)</a> The Second Chance Act is federal legislation with bipartisan support that aims to reduce recidivism and help states and communities better address the growing population of prisoners returning to communities. It would reauthorize the Reentry Demonstration project, with an enhanced focus on jobs, housing, substance abuse treatment and mental health. <li><a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/bal-te.md.expunge19mar19,0,3957747.story?coll=bal-home-headlines" target=newwindow>3/19/07 – "Arrests without charges linger" (Baltimore Sun)</a> Momentum in the General Assembly is building behind a bill to automatically wipe out arrest records that do not lead to formal charges; a measure proponents say could undo a fundamental injustice for thousands of people. Arrests without charges have been a point of contention in Baltimore for years as the Police Department has aggressively cracked down on quality-of-life violations in an effort to eliminate the conditions in which more serious crimes flourish. <li><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0703180058mar18,1,3185865.story" target=newwindow>3/18/07 – "Condom debate targets prisons" (Chicago Tribune)</a> Prisons have a rate of HIV infection nearly five times greater than the rate nationwide, yet they are among the few places in America where condoms are almost impossible to get. Those unsettling facts have spurred a growing campaign by lawmakers and public health advocates who are concerned that prisons may be a prime breeding ground for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. <li><a href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/300971,5_1_WA17_PAROLCENTER_S1.article" target=newwindow>3/1 7/07 – "Proposed parolee center" (Lake County News-Sun (IL))</a> A proposal to bring a center to provide supervision and treatment for parolees in a former manufacturing building in Waukegan now goes to the City Council. The concept received a recommendation from the city's development commission on Tuesday. Behavioral Interventions has been given a green light from the city's development commission for a conditional-use permit to operate a "Spotlight" Reentry Center for Parolees. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.huduser.org/publications/povsoc/annual_assess.html" target=newwindow>Annual Homelessness Assessment Report</a> (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) <li><A href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/integrating/Dispelling_Myths.pdf" target=newwindow>Dispelling the Myths about Information Sharing Between the Mental Heath and Criminal Justice Systems </A>(National GAINS Center) <li><A href="http://www.urban.org/publications/311421.html" target=newwindow>Impact and Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Maryland Reentry Partnership Initiative </A>(Urban Institute) <li><A href="http://clasp.org/publications/cs_brief_2.pdf" target=newwindow>Staying in Jobs and Out of the Underground: Child Support Policies that Encourage Legitimate Work </A>(Center for Law and Social Policy) <li><A href="http://policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display&article_id=1095&issue_id=12007" target=newwindow>Winooski, Vermont Offender Reentry Program </A>(International Association of Chiefs of Police) </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21669

2009-09-22

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--- - Texas <a name=feature1>Council of State Governments Justice Center Presents Justice Reinvestment Policy Options to the Texas Legislature</a> On January 30, 2007, Senator John Whitmire (D, Chair, Criminal Justice Committee) and Representative Jerry Madden (R, Chair, Corrections Committee) convened an unusual joint hearing that Texas newspapers described as "historic," in which representatives of the Council of State Governments Justice Center presented justice reinvestment policy options for state officials' consideration. According to projections by the Texas Legislative Budget Board, the state's prison population will increase 9.3 percent and the state will be short more than 17,000 beds by 2012 – if current policies remain unchanged. This year, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has recommended the construction and operation of 5,000 additional prison beds, and it has submitted an appropriations request which includes nearly $1 billion in additional funding. Chairmen Whitmire and Madden, seeking ways both to increase public safety and to manage the growth of the prison population, requested technical assistance from the Justice Center through its Justice Reinvestment Initiative. The initiative receives funding from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, among other federal agencies and private foundations. "We're trying to do some things we believe will change the course of Texas in ways that will make this a better state," said Representative Madden. "We're going to be looking at alternatives to actually building hard prisons." Senator Whitmire said, "We're at a crossroads. There's a strong consensus to do things differently, to continue being tough, but to be smart about inmates who need a different kind of treatment." At the hearing, Dr. Tony Fabelo presented the results of months of analysis of the state's prison, parole, and probation populations. Four summary reports are now available on the Justice Center's web site: <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX3+big+picture+growth.pdf" target=newwindow>Recent and Projected Growth of the Texas Prison Population</a>, <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX1+JR+Scenarios.pdf" target=newwindow>Texas Justice Reinvestment Scenarios</a>, and <a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX2-Policy-safety-diversion-chart.pdf" target=newwindow>Policy Options to Increase Public Safety and to Manage the Growth of the Prison Population</a>. The reports reflect that high rates of probation revocation, the absence of mental health and substance abuse treatment (both for people in prison and for those in the community), and low parole grant rates are important factors contributing to the recent and projected growth of the prison population. Maps, which Eric Cadora of the Justice Mapping Center prepared, analyzed neighborhoods in Houston and Austin that are receiving disproportionately large numbers of people released from prison. These maps illustrated opportunities for reinvestment strategies in these communities that could increase public safety and improve conditions in these neighborhoods generally. During the hearing, lawmakers reviewed potential strategies for increasing the availability of substance abuse and mental health treatment to people awaiting release from prison or jail and those recently returned to the community. People with mental illness are significantly overrepresented in the state's prison population, and co-occurring substance abuse / mental health disorders are common among people who are incarcerated. In Texas, 59 percent of prisoners are chemically dependent, but only 5 percent of eligible inmates are admitted to substance abuse programs each year. For more information on the reports and recommendations presented at the hearing, or on the Justice Center's work in Texas, please contact <A href="mailto:lmcbean@csg.org" >LaToya McBean</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=feature2>CSG Convenes National Legislative Briefing on Sex Offender Management Policy; Justice Center Moves Forward with Sex Offender Housing Policy Guide</a> The Council of State Governments, in partnership with the Association of Paroling Authorities International, the American Probation and Parole Association, and The Center for Sex Offender Management, hosted a National Legislative Briefing on Sex Offender Management Policy in the States on January 27 - 28, 2007 in Little Rock, AR. Funded by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, this two-day meeting for state policymakers. State legislators, legislative staff, practitioners, and national experts explored current and promising policies for the management of people convicted of sex offenses, identified critical implications of sex offender management policies for the states, and promoted multistate collaboration and cooperation on this critical issue. Keynote speakers at the briefing included Laura Rogers, director of the U.S. Department of Justice's Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART) Office and Patty Wetterling, child advocate and mother of Jacob Wetterling, who was abducted near his home in Minnesota in 1989 and remains missing. In addition, the Council of State Governments Justice Center is developing a policy guide to help state and local governments address the issue of housing for people convicted of sex offenses. This guide, which is also funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is scheduled for release in the fall of 2007. Information presented at the Legislative Briefing in Arkansas will be used to inform the policy guide. For more information on this project, please contact <A href="mailto:jhannumn@csg.org" >Jordie Hannum</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=feature3>Council of State Governments Justice Center Launches New Project to Promote Collaboration between State Governments and Community and Faith-Based Organizations</a> The Council of State Governments Justice Center is undertaking a new project supported by the Departments of Justice and Labor to help state officials improve collaboration with community and faith-based organizations on prisoner reentry initiatives. The goal of the project is to help improve the environment for collaboration between state governments and community and faith-based organizations. The Justice Center will develop a comprehensive policy guide for state policymakers and community-based service providers to highlight real, everyday challenges; provide practical recommendations and identify policies and programs that illustrate how particular state governments; and communities have operationalized these recommendations. Last week Justice Center staff presented the project overview at the Presidential Prisoner Reentry Initiative Kick-Off meeting sponsored by the Departments of Justice and Labor in St. Louis, Missouri. Conference attendees participated in a discussion of the challenges they face in collaborating with other partners, including community and faith-based organizations and Corrections Departments. The project is a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a division of the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Office of Community and Faith-Based Initiatives in U.S. Department of Labor. To learn more about the Community and Faith-Based Collaboration Project see the <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/special_topics/reentry_partnerships" target=newwindow>project overview</a> or contact <A href="mailto:spaterni@csg.org" >Sara Paterni</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Website on Reentry Issues Launched Legal Aid of Western Michigan's Reentry Law Project and the Michigan Poverty Law Project have launched a website to help formerly incarcerated individuals navigate obstacles they may face as they make the transition from prison to the general population. The "Michigan Reentry Law Wiki" provides visitors with answers to frequently asked questions, current case law, statutes, trends regarding prisoner reentry, and forms for obtaining a state identification card and expunging criminal records. The website also contains information to help lawyers, judges, social service providers, and others involved in the reentry process. To view the website, click <a href="http://reentry.mplp.org/reentry/index.php/Main_Page" target=newwindow>here</a>. Funding Opportunity: Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program The Bureau of Justice Assistance is accepting applications for funding under the Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program. State, local, and tribal governments and state and local courts seeking to establish or enhance drug courts and systems for people who have substance abuse problems and have been convicted of nonviolent offenses. Drug courts help reduce recidivism and substance abuse among people convicted of nonviolent offenses and increase an individual'slikelihood of successful rehabilitation through early, continuous, and intense judicially supervised treatment, mandatory periodic drug testing, community supervision, and appropriate sanctions and other services. <blockquote>Deadline for applications: March 6, 2007</blockquote> For more information on this funding opportunity, click <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07DrugCtsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: United States Probation Office: Road to Reentry – Defendant / Offender Workforce Development Conference March 5-7, 2007 Charlotte, NC <a href="http://www.ncwp.uscourts.gov/owdconf/" target=newwindow >http://www.ncwp.uscourts.gov/owdconf/</a> The Performance Institute: 2007 National Summit on Prisoner Reentry March 7-9, 2007 Phoenix, AZ <a href="http://www.performanceweb.org/centers/sp/events/s218/s218.htm" target=newwindow>http://www.performanceweb. org/centers/sp/events/s218/s218.htm</a> Forensic Mental Health Association of Cailifornia: Treatment and Management of Forensic Populations - A Pragmatic Approach March 14-16, 2007 Seaside, CA <a href="http://www.fmhac.net/" target=newwindow>http://www.fmhac.net/</a> National Corrections Industries Association Enterprise 2007 National Training Conference March 25-28, 2007 Jacksonville, FL <a href="http://www.nationalcia.org/e2007/e2007.html" target=newwindow >http://www.nationalcia.org/e2007/e2007.html< /a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-13-prisons_x.htm" target=newwindow>2/14/07- "Study predicts rise in inmate populations" (USA Today)</a> The number of inmates in U.S. prisons likely will rise nearly 13 percent during the next five years, costing states up to $27.5 billion in new operating and construction expenses, according to a new analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew analysts said the growth is being fueled by mandatory minimum sentences that have stretched prison terms, declines in parole releases, and other policies that states have passed in recent years to crack down on crime. <li><a href="http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/16678518.htm" target=newwindow>2/12/07 – "Kansas resists buffer zones" (Kansas City Star)</a> In the national push to keep children safe from sex offenders, Kansas has been as aggressive as any state. But when it comes to laws restricting where offenders live - a key part of other states' strategies - Kansas so far has said no. Lawmakers on a Senate panel now are suggesting that the state steer clear of popular buffer zones and continue to keep cities and municipalities from adopting their own. <li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1759" target=newwindow>2/11/07 – "Little Hoover Commission Releases Report on Corrections Crisis" (Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice)</a>(pdf) After months of receiving testimony, soliciting input from its advisory panel, and holding public hearing on California's prison crisis, the Little Hoover Commission has completed its latest report on the issues plaguing California's correction system. The Commission makes three broad recommendations to mitigate the current crisis. <li><a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/01/31/31crime.html" target=newwindow>1/31 /07 – "Report identifies prison problems" (Austin American Statesman)</a> The Texas criminal justice system came under intense criticism Tuesday as legislative leaders made clear that business as usual - building prisons every few years - will no longer be a solution to an increasing shortage of cells and operating problems. A study undertaken by the Council of State Governments Justice Center found that if Texas were to expand treatment and rehabilitation programs, it could avoid building new prisons. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX3+big+picture+growth.pdf" target=newwindow>Recent and Projected Growth of the Texas Prison Population</a> (Council of State Governments Justice Center) <li><A href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX1+JR+Scenarios.pdf" target=newwindow>Texas Justice Reinvestment Scenarios </A>(Council of State Governments Justice Center) <li><A href="http://justicecenter.csg.org/downloads/TX2-Policy-safety-diversion-chart.pdf" target=newwindow>Policy Options to Increase Public Safety and to Manage the Growth of the Prison Population </A>(Council of State Governments Justice Center) <li><A href="http://www.vera.org/publications/publications_5.asp?publication_id=379" target=newwindow>Reconsidering Incarceration: New Directions for Reducing Crime </A>(Vera Institute of Justice) </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21668

2009-09-22

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--- - Illinois - Michigan - Missouri - Tennessee - Virginia <a name=feature1>States Look to Adult Basic Education Programs in Prison to Increase Education Levels and Reduce Recidivism</a> Most people in prison or jail have low levels of educational achievement. According to a <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/ecp.htm" target=newwindow>2003 report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics </a>, about 75% of state prison inmates and 69% of jail inmates did not complete high school, while only 18% of the general population age 18 or older did not complete high school. Yet, barely half of all state prisoners participate in any educational programs during their incarceration, a proportion that has been decreasing over time. In response to this trend, several states have implemented incentive systems to promote participation in basic adult education programs during incarceration: <ul> <li>According to a December 2006 survey conducted by the <a href="http://www.asca.net/" target=newwindow >Association of State Correctional Administrators </a>, Michigan and Missouri require that nearly all prisoners achieve some level of education certification before they can be considered for discretionary release. Michigan state law requires prisoners to obtain their GED, and Missouri requires them to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent to be considered for parole. <li>On January 10, 2007,<a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?071+sum+SJ327" target=newwindow>Virginia Senate Joint Resolution No. 327 </a> was introduced to the state legislature. This bill seeks to establish a joint subcommittee to study options for increasing the number of education programs available to incarcerated individuals. The subcommittee would be charged with identifying program needs, recommending solutions for increasing enrollment, and reviewing prisoner education programs in other states, among other things. <li>Last year, both Tennessee and Illinois passed legislation awarding 60-day sentencing credits to individuals who earned certain degrees during incarceration. <a href="http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/104GA/bills/BillStatus/SB2557.htm" target=newwindow>Tennessee Senate Bill 2557</a> offers incarcerated individuals a 60-day sentence credit for earning a graduate equivalency diploma or a high school diploma, a two- or four-year college degree, a two- year or four-year certification in applied sciences, or a vocational education diploma. <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=094-0744" target=newwindow>Illinois Senate Bill 2320 </a> offers the sentencing credit if they pass the GED while incarcerated. </li></ul> Recent studies have shown that in-prison educational programs can reduce recidivism. The <a href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/" target=newwindow >Washington State Institute for Public Policy </a> conducted a comprehensive statistical review of all criminal justice program evaluations conducted for the last 40 years in the United States and other countries to identify which programs were found to reduce crime. The 2006 study, <a href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/pub.asp?docid=06-01-1201" target=newwindow>Evidence-Based Adult Corrections Programs: What Works and What Does Not </a>, found that basic adult education programs in prison reduced recidivism by 5.1%. <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/ProvideTrainingEducationandJobs.aspx" target="newwindow </a >.  <A href=" #top?> > Back to top</a> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> The JEHT Foundation of New York awards the Kansas Department of Corrections' Reentry Program $4.67 million On January 4, 2007, Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced that the <a href="http://www.dc.state.ks.us/default.htm" target=newwindow >Kansas Department of Corrections </a> received a grant from the <a href="http://www.jehtfoundation.org/" target=newwindow >JEHT Foundation </a> for its offender reentry and risk reduction efforts. The program aims implement the state's plan to increase public safety and reduce recidivism by helping individuals maintain housing, secure employment, and live harmoniously with their families upon release from incarceration. The JEHT Foundation is one of several national partners supporting reentry and risk reduction efforts in Kansas. Others include the Council of State Governments Justice Center, the Pew Charitable Trusts, the National Institute of Corrections, and Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS), with his proposed Second Chance Act. Click <a href="http://www.dc.state.ks.us/newsreleases/1-4-07%20JEHT%20Foundation.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a> to view the full announcement (pdf). Funding Opportunity: National Institute of Justice - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Electronic Monitoring of Moderate to High-Risk Offenders Under Supervision The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice is seeking applications for funding research on the effectiveness of electronic monitoring (EM) of moderate to high-risk offenders under criminal justice system supervision in the community. Applicants for funding under this solicitation must propose one or more experimental studies to evaluate the effectiveness of EM on reducing the recidivism of moderate to high-risk offenders on probation and/or supervised release as well as after the supervision period has ended. Studies may examine EM independently or in combination with other supervision and/or treatment programs. While re-offending as measured by new arrests, convictions, or commitments is the most important outcome measure, other important outcome measures include revocations, administrative warnings and sanctions, and absconding or escape from supervision. <blockquote>Deadline for applications: February 6, 2007</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000783.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a> (pdf). Upcoming Events: American Correctional Association's 2007 Winter Conference: Corrections, Community and Public Health January 20-24, 2007 (Tampa, FL) <a href="http://www.aca.org/conferences/winter07/planning/" target=newwindow >http://www.aca.org/conferences/winter07/planning/</a> American Jail Association: Intake: Critical Time-Critical Decisions February 2-5, 2007 (Hilton Head, SC) <a href="http://www.corrections.com/aja/pdf/Intake%20Ad.pdf" target=newwindow >http://www.corrections.com/aja/pdf/In take%20Ad.pdf</a> NAEH – National Conference on Ending Family Homelessness February 8-9, 2007 (Oakland, CA) <a href="http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/conference/conferences" target=newwindow >http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/tools/conference/conferences</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sci-convicts11jan11,1,1116762.story?coll=la-headlines-nation" target=newwindow>1/11/07 – "Prisoners face high death rate after release" (Los Angeles Times) </a> During their first two weeks out of prison, individuals released from prison or jail face nearly 13 times greater risk of death than the general population, according to a study of more than 30,000 former inmates. <li><a href="http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/news-5/116849489321840.xml?starledger?nnj&coll=1" target=newwindow>1/11/07 – "State study cites benefits of supervision for ex-convicts" (New Jersey Star Ledger) </a> Incarcerated individuals who got out early on parole supervision are 30 percent less likely to get arrested for another crime within two years of their release than those who served their entire sentence, according to a State Parole Board study released yesterday. The report comes as state Parole Board Chairman John D'Amico Jr. is lobbying Gov. Jon Corzine's office and the state commission examining New Jersey's sentencing laws to require all prisoners to be placed under supervision following their release from prison. <li><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=545012" target=newwindow>12/30/06 – "Saved by the Bell" (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) </a> Stephen Richards, a tenured professor at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, leads a national movement of some three dozen ex-convicts with advanced degrees. Through their writing and research, they advocate for change in the criminal justice system. Richards also works in Wisconsin prisons, hoping to convince a new generation of felons that education can save them, the way it saved him. <li><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/12/27/MNGF6N6FSS1.DTL" target=newwindow>12/27/06 – "Illiteracy reinforces captivity" (San Francisco Chronicle) </a> People convicted of crimes typically enter the corrections system burdened with loads of heavy emotional baggage -- drug addiction, alcoholism, scars from childhood abuse, mental illness and family meltdowns. But the most common companions for those who have failed to find a place in the legitimate world are illiteracy and stunted educational backgrounds. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/media" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1697" target=newwindow>Release from Prison: A High Risk of Death for Former Inmates </a>(New England Journal of Medicine) <li><A href="http://www.abanet.org/dch/committee.cfm?com=CR209800" target=newwindow>Policy Recommendation and Reports on Alternatives to Incarceration, Improvements in Probation and Parole, and Employment and Licensure for Persons with a Criminal Conviction </A>(ABA Commission on Effective Criminal Sanctions) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1652" target=newwindow>Denver Housing First Collaborative: Cost Benefit Analysis and Program Outcomes Report </A>(Colorado Coalition for the Homeless) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1708" target=newwindow>Evidence-Based Adult Corrections Programs: What Works and What Does Not </A> (Washington State Institute for Public Policy) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1707" target=newwindow>Education and Correctional Populations </A>(Bureau of Justice Statistics) </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21667

2009-09-22

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--- [] <a name=feature1>Council of State Governments Justice Center Launches Interactive Chart of Reentry Housing Options</a> With funding support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Council of State Governments Justice Center has developed a web-based tool to help users learn more about different reentry housing options available for people released from prison or jail. The chart compares housing types on several dimensions including potential funding sources, level of availability in the community, typical length of stay, and potential barriers to accessing a particular option. It also offers descriptions of programs that have successfully housed individuals returning to the community from prison or jail, and provides links to the programs' websites when available. Ensuring that people released from prison and jail find appropriate places to live is critical to public safety and healthy families and communities. People who do not find stable housing in the community are more likely to recidivate than those who do. One study, conducted by the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2003, determined that, with each move after release from prison, a person's likelihood of rearrest increased by 25 percent. However, finding viable housing placements for these individuals is a daunting task. This chart attempts to help policymakers, corrections administrators, and transition planners to understand the housing options available in the community and to develop feasible housing plans for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. To view this interactive chart, visit: <a href="http://tools.reentrypolicy.org/housing/" target=newwindow >http://tools.reentrypolicy.org/housing/</a>. For more information on housing and reentry, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/issue_areas/reentry_housing" target=newwindow>here</a> or contact <A href="mailto:jhannum@csg.org" > Jordie Hannum</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> APPA Launches New Project on Reentry of Methamphetamine-Addicted Individuals The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) recently received a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance to help community corrections agencies assess their supervision and programming strategies for addressing the needs of people addicted to methamphetamine (meth) who are released from prison or jail. According to a 2006 study published by the US Department of Justice, meth addiction is seen as one of the most difficult substance abuse problems to treat. This population has unusually high rates of relapse due to protracted physiological and psychological problems caused by the drug. Individuals addicted to meth need careful supervision upon release from incarceration that is geared not only towards successful termination of their probation or parole term, but also towards their long-term sobriety and effective use of community resources. APPA will work to identify promising supervision and programming approaches for this population and offer technical assistance to up to three sites to help state and local jurisdictions enhance, develop, and implement effective strategies. For more information about this project, contact <A href="mailto:mmetts@csg.org" > Michelle Metts</A>, research associate, or <A href="mailto:kcobb@csg.org" > Kimberly Cobb</A>, research associate. Request for Proposals: Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative On December 10, The Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative (MPRI) released a Request for Proposals from government, non-profit, and community based organizations to create and operate a family advocacy program. The program will serve the 10-18 families with members who are incarcerated or released to parole under MPRI supervision in Kent County. Families will include the parent, his or her children, and the caregivers who are taking care of the children while the parent is incarcerated. The successful applicant will be awarded $61,500 to provide a range of services and trained in the family advocacy model with the assistance of the Council of State Governments and nationally recognized experts. <blockquote>Deadline for proposals: January 5, 2007</blockquote> To view the full annaouncement, click <a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1648" target=newwindow>here</a>. Funding Opportunity: BJA Protecting Inmates and Safeguarding Communities The Protecting Inmates and Safeguarding Communities Program is designed to support states' efforts to prevent and eliminate prisoner rape between people who are incarcerated in state and local prisons, jails, and law enforcement lock-up facilities and to safeguard the communities where people released from prison and jail return. Applicants are encouraged to develop strategies, partnerships, and protocols that bridge correctional and community-based programs managing returning populations by making available training and technical assistance in successful methods for moderating prison population growth; identifying, analyzing, assessing, and mapping individual communities' risks and needs for released victims and sexual aggressors involved in prison sexual abuse and rape; promoting collaborative efforts among state and local governments and leaders of communities to address the effects of released inmates on those communities; and developing policies and programs that reduce prison spending by reducing parole and probation revocations. <blockquote>Deadline for applications: January 18, 2007</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07PISCsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Funding Opportunity: NPC 2007 Small Grants Program: Incarceration, Criminal Justice Policy and Poverty The National Poverty Center (NPC) seeks to fund research that will examine the relationship between incarceration, criminal justice policy, and poverty. The NPC anticipates funding up to four proposals, up to a maximum of $17,500 per award. The focus of the 2007 Small Grants Program is on the effects of rising incarceration rates and the effects of criminal justice policies more generally on poverty broadly defined. Possible areas of inquiry, including, but not limited to: <ul><li> The effects of prior incarceration and a criminal record on the employment outcomes of people released from prison or jail <li>The effects of incarceration on family formation and dissolution or on children's outcomes <li>Inter-generational correlations in the likelihood of arrest, conviction and incarceration <li>Mental illness and the risk of incarceration as well as the health and mental health consequences of incarceration <li>Evaluations of programs that divert people involved in the criminal justice system from prison <li>The impacts of crime or criminal justice policies on low income communities and/or the interaction of crime and incarceration on place-based poverty</li></ul> <blockquote>Deadline for applications: February 1, 2007</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.npc.umich.edu/opportunities/research_grants/2007_poverty_grants/" target=newwindow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: 2nd National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV, and Hepatitis February 1-3, 2007 (Salt Lake City, UT) <a href="http://www.methconference.org/index.html" target=newwindow>http://www.methconference.org/index.html</a> The Collaborative Reintegration Initiative: Returning to Families and Communities in Montgomery County, Ohio February 2, 2007 (Dayton, OH) <a href="http://www.workplacereconnections.org/" target=newwindow >http://www.workplacereconnections.org/</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Media Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.hutchnews.com/news/regional/stories/offender121606.shtml" target=newwindow>12/19/06 "Legislators say offender law needs work" (Hutchinson News (KS)) </a> Sen. Terry Bruce, R-Hutchinson, Rep. Jan Pauls, D-Hutchinson, Rep. Mark Treaster, D-Pretty Prairie, and Rep. Bob Bethell, R-Alden, spoke with the Community Corrections Advisory Council on Thursday in Hutchinson, Kansas. All four legislators indicated that the state's version of Jessica's Law, which drastically increased prison time for registered sex offenders and intensified penalties for failing to register, will need to be revised if the state is to avoid a shortage of prison bed space. <li><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/12/12/tighter_oversight_of_sex_offenders_urged_in_va_ny/" target=newwindow>12/12/06 "Tighter oversight of sex offenders urged in VA, NY" (Boston Globe)</a> Officials in two states proposed unusual plans yesterday to tighten oversight of convicted sex offenders: Virginia's attorney general wants them to register their e-mail addresses and online IDs, and New York officials want them to take lie-detector tests. <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/business/10faith.html?hp&ex=1165726800&en=67e4f649d71f6350&ei=5094&partner=homepage" target=newwindow>12/10/06 "Religion for a Captive Audience, Paid For by Taxes" (New York Times) </a> Since 2000, courts have cited more than a dozen programs for having unconstitutionally used taxpayer money to pay for religious activities or evangelism aimed at prisoners, recovering addicts, job seekers, teenagers and children. Nevertheless, the programs are proliferating. For example, the Corrections Corporation of America, the nation's largest prison management company, is substantially expanding its religion-based curriculum. And the federal Bureau of Prisons, which runs at least five multifaith programs at its facilities, is preparing to seek bids for a single-faith prison program as well. <li><a href="http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/business/16181165.htm" target=newwindow>12/7/06 "St. Paul gives ex-cons a break on city hiring" (Pioneer Press(MN))</a> St. Paul decided this week to stop requiring job hopefuls to state on their applications whether they've ever been convicted of a crime. The immediate goal is to make sure the city doesn't discriminate against applicants with criminal records, which is prohibited under state law. Backers said the broader intent is to give people with minor rap sheets a chance to turn their lives around. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Reentry_News.aspx" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council.</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1569" target=newwindow>Prisoners in 2005</a> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1570" target=newwindow>Probation and Parole in the US, 2005</A> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1567" target=newwindow>Topics in Community Corrections - Effectively Managing Violations and Revocations</A> (National Institute of Corrections) <li><A href="http://www.urban.org/publications/411383.html" target=newwindow>Mapping Prisoner Reentry: An Action Research Guidebook</A> (Urban Institute) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1637" target=newwindow>Bringing Families In: Recommendations of the Incarceration, Reentry and the Family Roundtables</A> (Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice and New Jersey Institute for Social Justice) </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21666

2009-09-22

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--- - Connecticut - Washington <a name=feature1>Connecticut Implements Justice Reinvestment Strategy to Manage Prison Growth and Generate Savings</a> Many states have had difficulty developing and implementing the programs and policy needed to improve outcomes for people returning to the community from prison or jail. Often these difficulties stem from the prohibitive cost of starting new programs or improving existing programs and protocol. However, states across the country are taking steps to mitigate these costs by generating strategic savings in other aspects of the criminal justice system and reinvesting in communities to increase their capacity to receive individuals released from incarceration. Policymakers in Connecticut recently generated savings by decreasing existing criminal justice costs and reinvesting in a variety of reentry efforts. State officials worked with CSG's Criminal Justice Program staff to analyze the state's prison population and spending patterns in the communities to which people released from prison most often return. Among other things, the analysis found that parole and probation technical violators accounted for 25 percent of the prison population on any given day. In 2004, Republican and Democratic legislators, the governor, and agency leaders worked together to enact measures to streamline the parole process, reduce parole and probation violations by 20 percent, and require the state to develop a comprehensive reentry strategy. In response to these measures, probation officials established two innovative programs, the Technical Violations Unit (TVU) and the Probation Transition Program (PTP), to reduce the number of people incarcerated as a result of technical violations during the probation period. Legislators were also able to cancel Connecticut's contract with the Virginia Department of Corrections for 2,000 additional prison beds, which yielded $30 million annually in averted costs. From these savings, approximately $13 million was reinvested in reentry programs and initiatives. One million dollars of the savings was used to develop pilot reentry projects in New Haven and Hartford. Since the reinvestment, probation violations are on the decline, dropping from over 400 per month in July 2003 to less than 200 in September 2005. The state also saw a four percent decline in the prison population between mid-year 2003 and mid-year 2006. The Justice Reinvestment Initiative, which is coordinated by CSG, is developing a forthcoming case study on Connecticut's efforts to reduce spending on the state's prison system, reinvest in reentry programs, and curb the growth of the state's prison population. For more information on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative's work in Connecticut, contact <A href="mailto:cgarland@csg.org" >Crystal Garland </A>. For more information on managing the growth of prison populations and measuring savings from the Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/Report/PartI/ChapterI-B/PolicyStatement6" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=feature2>Washington State Considers Options to Reduce Future Prison Construction, Criminal Justice Costs, and Crime Rates</a> <a href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/intro.asp" target=newwindow >Washington State Institute for Public Policy </a> (the Institute) released a report last month promoting the expansion of criminal justice programs as a way to reduce the number of incarcerated individuals, cut spending, and improve public safety. Recent long-term forecasts indicate that Washington will need to build two new prisons by 2020 to accommodate the state's growing prison population. As a result, the Washington State Legislature directed the Institute to investigate less costly alternatives to building new prisons, and to project the impact of implementing these alternatives on criminal justice costs and crime rates. The Institute conducted a comprehensive statistical review of all criminal justice program evaluations conducted for the last 40 years in the United States and other countries to identify which programs were found to reduce crime, and to determine the costs and benefits of each program evaluated. To project the impact of implementing these programmatic alternatives to building new prisons, the Institute built a forecasting model for current, moderate, and aggressive approaches to expanding criminal justice programs in the state. The Institute found that adult corrections programs, juvenile corrections programs, and prevention approaches produced the most favorable returns on investment. According to the Institute, if Washington successfully implements a moderate to aggressive expansion of these programs, then a significant level of future prison construction can be avoided, state and local taxpayers can save approximately two billion dollars, and net crime rates can be lowered slightly. To view the full report, click <a href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/pub.asp?docid=06-10-1201" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Funding Opportunity: Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program According to the US Department of Justice, the majority of people in prison and jail has a history of substance abuse. Furthermore, in-prison drug treatment has been shown to reduce the use of injection drugs, hospital stays for drug and alcohol problems, and recidivism rates. The most successful outcomes are found for those who participate in both in-prison treatment and post-release treatment in the community. The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) for State Prisoners Program assists states and local governments to develop and implement substance abuse treatment programs in state and local correctional facilities, incorporate reentry planning activities into treatment programs, and help individuals connect to community-based treatment aftercare services. RSAT funds may be used to implement three types of programs: residential, jail-based, and aftercare. States may apply for formula grant awards under this program. The state office may award subgrants to state agencies, units of local government, and Native American tribes. <blockquote>Application Deadline: December 13, 2006</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07RSATsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Funding Opportunity: Prisoner Reentry Initiative Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI) aims to strengthen communities that receive a large number of returning prisoners and reduce recidivism by helping individuals find work and access other critical services upon release. Grants are available for state agencies to provide pre-release assessment, programming and services, transition planning, and post-release supervision and coordination of services for individuals returning to communities. Grants will include an assessment/ planning phase not to exceed 3 months following the award start date, with implementation occurring in the remaining project period. <blockquote>Application Deadline: January 11, 2007</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07PRIsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: National HIRE Network- New York State, Reentry and Employment: A Current Snapshot and Recommendations for the Future December 6, 2006 (New York, NY) <a href="http://www.hirenetwork.org/pdfs/FLYER1.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.hirenetwork.org/pdfs/FLYER1.pdf</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Series on Reentry Research: Women and Incarceration December 15, 2006 8:30-10:00 am (New York, NY) <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf" target=newwindow >http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1"> <a name=news>Recent Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.mental4nov27,0,1773157.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines" target=newwindow>11/27/06 "State sets up more supports to help mentally ill inmates get parole" (Stamford Advocate (CT)) </a> Connecticut is setting up a new parole unit for mentally ill offenders so more of them can be granted parole and placed in other early release programs. The unit, which will start with five parole officers statewide, will begin work early next year, officials said. They will make sure the ex-offenders make all doctor's appointments, take their medications and ease back into life in their communities. <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/27/nyregion/27sex.html?hp&ex=1164690000&en=c2e9deb2fdc571ca&ei=5094&partner=homepage" target=newwindow>11/27/06 "Zoning Laws That Bar Pedophiles Raise Concerns" (New York Times) </a> The public defender's office in New Jersey, filed suit against the Franklin Township, claiming that the ordinance not only violates the right to due process, but also conflicts with a state law requiring that parole officers decide where registered sex offenders live. It is the first such case the agency has taken up, and could herald a curb on the rapidly proliferating local ordinances that threaten to push pedophiles to the fringes of communities. <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-twintowers23nov23,1,4151990.story?page=1&ctrack=1&cset=true&coll=la-headlines-california" target=newwindow>11/23/06 "A false sense of security in L.A. County jail" (Los Angeles Times) </a> Thousands of inmates with mental health issues receive treatment each year in the Los Angeles County jails. Sheriff Lee Baca has said that caring for the mentally ill is among the most challenging aspects of operating the nation's largest jail system, which processes more than 200,000 inmates every year. <li><a href="http://www.post-trib.com/news/143177,Parole.article" target=newwindow>11/21/06 "Staying out: Tenant-assistance plan works to ease former inmates into society" (Chicago Post-Tribune) </a> Indiana Department of Correction officials believe part of the reason why some ex-offenders don't succeed in the community is because many have no place to live once they have served their time. On Monday, at the Westville Correctional Facility, the DOC and the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority launched a pilot tenant-based rental assistance program aimed at helping ex-offenders find a permanent home. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Reentry_News.aspx" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1"> <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/hiv_in_prisons_2004;file" target=newwindow>HIV in Prisons, 2004 </a> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><A href="http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/pub.asp?docid=06-10-1201" target=newwindow>Evidence-Based Public Policy Options to Reduce Future Prison Construction, Criminal Justice Costs, and Crime Rates </A> (Washington State Institute for Public Policy) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/justice_expenditure_employment_in_united_states_2003;file" target=newwindow>Justice Expenditure and Employment in the United States, 2003 </A> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) </li></ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21665

2009-09-22

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--- - Texas <a name=feature1>Social Security Administration (SSA) Releases Audit Report on Program for Issuing Replacement Social Security Cards to Prisoners</a> Many people who are incarcerated lose access to important identification documents, such as social security cards, upon their admission to prison or jail. These documents are typically not replaced at the time of release. Without such identification, individuals released from incarceration are often unable to find employment, secure housing, or apply for public benefits that may be necessary to obtain medication or other treatment in the community. Prior to December 2005, SSA established written agreements, or memoranda of understanding (MOUs), with corrections agencies to help prisoners obtain replacement social security cards. However, SSA announced that it would no longer enter into new MOUs last December. The decision was made pending a review of SSA's compliance with new Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) guidelines that impose more stringent identity verification requirements for federal benefits applicants. At CSG's suggestion, the Association of State Correctional Administrators sent a letter to SSA in response to this announcement, urging the administration to restore its practice of entering into MOUs with corrections agencies. Click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/association_of_state_correctional_administrators_letter_to_social_security;file" target="newwindow" ta>here</a> to view this letter. Shortly after this letter was sent, the Office of the Inspector General, an independent body within SSA, completed an audit of SSA's policies for issuing replacement SSN cards to prisoners. The results were featured in their <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/oig/communications/eyeonoig/eyeoig200610.htm" target=newwindow>October newsletter </a>. The audit report detailed key findings: <ul> <li>Prison officials did not always adequately review and certify information about prisoners' identities before submitting this information with replacement card applications. <li>Local SSA offices did not periodically perform on-site reviews of prison procedures for submitting replacement social security card applications and required evidence. </li> </ul> The report also offered recommendations to SSA in the event that the administration restores its MOU policy: <ul> <li>Perform a review at each prison with which it is considering executing an agreement to ensure the facility's procedures for establishing prisoner identity are sufficient to ensure social security number integrity and compliance with new IRTPA requirements. <li>Require that local SSA offices perform annual onsite reviews of prison procedures for submitting prisoner replacement social security card applications and required evidence, and take corrective action as needed. </li> </ul> SSA has formed a workgroup to implement these recommendations, which may facilitate the reinstatement of its policy of entering into MOUs with corrections agencies to assist prisoners in obtaining replacement SSN cards. To view the complete audit report, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/socail_security_administration_s_program_for_issuing_replacement_social_security;file" rget ="newwindow">here</a>. For more information on CSG's work regarding access to federal benefits for individuals released from prison or jail, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/issue_areas/reentry_federal_benefits" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=feature2>Sunset Advisory Commission Offers Strategies for Texas Legislature to Improve the State's Criminal Justice System</a> The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission recently conducted a review of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Last month, the Sunset Advisory Commission released a report of its findings, which details ten issues and corresponding recommendations for the Texas Legislature to consider in order to improve the State's criminal justice system. Several issues and recommendations described in the report offer strategies for making the best use of limited funds: <ul> <li>Issue: Keeping low-risk offenders on parole and mandatory supervision who could be released early diverts limited TDCJ resources from where they are most needed. Recommendation: Require TDCJ's Parole Division to identify eligible low-risk individuals who are incarcerated, and establish a process for releasing these individuals from parole and mandatory supervision early. <li>Issue: Current law limits the use and effectiveness of medically recommended early release of offenders, increasing state medical costs. Recommendation: Authorize judges to permit the early release of people in jail who pose no risk to public safety due to their medical conditions, and require the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments to identify and recommend individuals eligible for early medical release. </li> </ul> To view the complete report, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/sunset_advisory_commission_2006_staff_report;file" target ="newwindow">here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Funding Opportunity: Comprehensive Approaches to Sex Offender Management Program The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs' <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/" target=newwindow>Bureau of Justice Assistance </a> (BJA) is seeking applications for funding under the Comprehensive Approaches to Sex Offender Management Program. State, local, and tribal jurisdictions are eligible to apply. Grants are available for eligible jurisdictions to conduct planning, training, implementation and / or enhancement activities for probation and parole officers and other personnel who provide case management, supervision, and relapse prevention services to released sex offenders. Grants are also available for agencies responsible for sex offender registry compliance and the use of electronic monitoring / tracking equipment related to sex offender management. Applicants are encouraged to develop collaborative proposals with other local and state agencies. <blockquote>Application Deadline: December 7, 2006</blockquote> For more information about this grant announcement and application requirements, click <a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/07CASOMsol.pdf" target=newwindow>here</a>. Upcoming Events: National GAINS Center and the Technical Assistance and Policy Analysis (TAPA) Center for Jail Diversion: Teleconference - "Dispelling the Myths About Sharing Data between Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems" November 13, 2006 at 2:00-3:30pm Eastern Time <a href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/eNews/Nov13_Net_Conf_Desc.pdf" target=newwindow >http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/eNews/Nov13_Net_Conf_Desc.pdf</a> Workplace ReConnections, Inc.: Community Reconciliation - Reentry Policy and Practice Seminar / Workshop November 17, 2006 (Cleveland, OH) <a href="http://www.workplacereconnections.org/page/394" target=newwindow >http://www.workplacereconnections.org/page/394</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Series on Reentry Research: Domestic Violence and Reentry November 17, 2006 (New York, NY) <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/ce ntersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/02/AR2006110201537.html" target=newwindow>11/3/06 "As Release Nears, These Inmates Are All Business" (Washington Post) </a> The Prison Entrepreneurship Program, a nonprofit organization based in Houston, incorporates a graduate school-style business plan competition for prisoners who are preparing for their release into the community. The program has instituted a rigorous business curriculum that pairs prisoners with Harvard and Texas A&M University students who help edit their business plans. Executives from local corporations then judge the business plans. <li><a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/290455_nurserape30.html" target=newwindow>10/30/06 "Nursing Aide in Rape Case Fired Three Times" (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) </a> Nursing assistant Lamin Darboe stayed employed despite being repeatedly suspected of sexually aggressive conduct. His license was renewed shortly before he allegedly raped a female stroke patient in Seattle. State Rep. Tom Campbell, R-Roy, the vice chairman of the House Health Care Committee, said health officials need more access to arrest data to weed out abusive providers. He said he will introduce a bill to expand the scope of Health Department background checks. <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-iowa30oct30,1,2271835.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true" target=newwindow>10/30/06 "Sex Crime Residency Laws Exile Offenders" (Los Angeles Times) </a> As Californians prepare to vote next week on Proposition 83, which would impose residency restrictions on sex offenders, Iowa is becoming an example of the unintended consequences of such measures. Prosecutors, police officials and even victims rights groups say the crackdown has backfired, driving some offenders into rural towns and leaving others grouped at motels, campgrounds, freeway rest stops or on the streets. <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/28/us/28prison.html?ei=5070&en=800bbf15c98f6428&ex=1162962000&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1162855987-NIZ13E/w0OwWmk6p9e5b1Q" target=newwindow>10/28/06 "Proposed Religion-Based Program for Federal Inmates is Canceled" (New York Times) </a> The Justice Department has canceled its proposal for a religion-based prison rehabilitation program that critics and constitutional law experts contended would have violated the separation of church and state. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Reentry_News.aspx" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/a_decade_of_reform_felony_disenfranchisement_policy_in_united_states;file" target ="newwindow">A Decade of Reform: Felony Disenfranchisement Policy in the United States </a> (Sentencing Project) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/report_recommendations_to_new_york_state_on_enhancing_employment_opportunities;file" target ="newwindow">Report and Recommendations to New York State on Enhancing Employment Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated People </A> (Independent Committee on Reentry and Employment) <li><A href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/publications/reentry_helping_former_prisoners_return_to_communities;file" target ="newwindow">Reentry: Helping Former Prisoners Return to Communities – A Guide to Key Ideas, Effective Approaches, and Technical Assistance Resources for Making Connections Cities and Site Teams </A>(Annie E. Casey Foundation) <li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1478" target=newwindow>Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Board of Pardons and Paroles, and Correctional Managed Health Care Committee- Sunset Staff Report </a>(Sunset Advisory Commission)</li> </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21664

2009-09-22

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--- [] <a name=feature1>Federal Child Support Officials Provide Guidance on Managing Child Support Obligations for Parents Who Are Incarcerated or Released</a>  Child support payments serve as an important means for parents who do not live with their children ("noncustodial parents") to support their children and contribute to the costs of childrearing. In most states, parents who go to prison accumulate child support arrears throughout incarceration, despite having little or no means with which to make payments. Further, upon release from prison or jail, parents often have difficulty finding and maintaining employment that is crucial to their ability to meet their child support obligations. From a reentry perspective, overwhelming child support fees may cause parents to be more likely to recidivate. According to a 2003 report by the Center for Law and Social Policy, child-support pressures may help drive some less-educated, low-skilled parents into the underground economy in order to increase their income or to avoid formal enforcement. High levels of debt can also create an additional barrier to family reunification and parent-child contact. In response to this problem, the <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/" target=newwindow >Office of Child Support Enforcement </a>, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services, recently released two reports that offer strategies for working with parents who are incarcerated or who have been released from prison or jail to ensure that they meet their child support responsibilities. <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pubs/2006/guides/working_with_incarcerated_resource_guide.pdf" target=newwindow>Working with Incarcerated and Released Parents: Lessons from OCSE Grants and State Programs</a> The first of the two reports presents promising practices that states have employed to help parents make payments towards child support and to ensure successful reentry. The report details several strategies: <ul> <li>Educating incarcerated parents about their child support obligations <li>Modifying or suspending child support obligations during periods of incarceration <li>Helping parents secure employment upon release </li> </ul> The report also offers "Building Blocks for Successful Child Support / Incarceration Programs" for child support enforcement and corrections agencies: <ul> <li>Conducting periodic data matches to identify parents who are incarcerated and who have child support obligations <li>Inquiring about child support obligations during the intake process to a correctional facility <li>Providing informational sessions to parents who are incarcerated about the process of modifying child support orders <li>Collaborating with community-based reentry programs that provide assistance to released parents with employment, housing, and family reintegration </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pubs/2006/reports/incarceration_report.pdf" target=newwindow>Incarceration, Reentry and Child Support Issues: National and State Research Overview</a> The second of the two reports draws on key research to describe characteristics of incarcerated and released noncustodial parents and their families. The report offers a range of findings from the field: <ul> <li>Forty percent of parents in state prisons and 28 percent of parents in federal prisons have neither a high school diploma nor a GED, suggesting that their earnings capacity prior to intake and upon release may be limited. <li>The majority of families of incarcerated parents (i.e., custodial parents and children) with child support cases in Texas and Massachusetts are currently receiving Medicaid or public assistance, or received one or both in the past; percentages range from 55 percent in Texas to 92 percent in Massachusetts. This suggests that parents will likely need access to federal benefits upon release and assistance with enrollment in these services. <li>Many noncustodial parents enter prison with child support debt. A study of 213 Colorado inmates with child support orders showed that they owed an average of $10,249 in past due child support when they entered prison. A similar study of incarcerated noncustodial parents in Massachusetts in 2001 found that the parents each owed an average of $10,543 at the time they entered prison. </li> </ul> The report identifies family support and employment as components of successful reentry that are particularly important for parents released from prison or jail. It also highlights the Report of the Re-Entry Policy Council as a good source of bipartisan recommendations that promote collaboration between child support enforcement agencies and Departments of Correction. For more information on the topic of reentry and child support from the Report of the Reentry Policy Council, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/Report/PartII/ChapterII-B/PolicyStatement13" target=ne wwindow>here</a> or contact <A href="mailto:jhannum@csg.org">Jordie Hannum</A>, Policy Analyst. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A>  <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a>  Request for Applications: Demonstration Project to Implement and Evaluate a Case Management Model for Women Offenders The <a href="http://www.nicic.org/" target=newwindow>National Institute of Corrections </a> (NIC) is seeking applications for a demonstration project to test the effectiveness of a gender-responsive case management model in reducing recidivism and improving health of women involved in the criminal justice system. NIC seeks two jurisdictions for participation in the project: one to implement the model within the context of transition from prison to the community, including in-custody needs assessment and programming, pre-release services and post-release / parole supervision; and another to implement the model within the context of a direct sentence to probation / community supervision. The jurisdictions will receive intensive training and technical assistance for up to 3 years. <blockquote>Application Deadline: November 3, 2006</blockquote> Click <a href="http://www.appa-net.org/ccheadlines/docs/Women_Off_Case_Managemnt_Model.pdf" target=new window>here</a> to view a description of the case management model, the selection criteria, and the application requirements for jurisdictions interested in participating in the project. Upcoming Events: Pathways to Economic Independence Forum Series: Coming Home - Prisoners' Reentry Into Communities (United Way of New York City and Open Society Institute) October 25, 2006 at 2:00-6:00pm (New York, NY) <a href="http://www.unitedwaynyc.org/?id=32&pg=economic&xt=pathways" target=newwindow>http://www .unitedwaynyc.org/?id=32&pg= economic&xt=pathways</a> National Conference on Correctional Health Care (National Commission on Correctional Health Care) October 28 - November 1, 2006 (Atlanta, GA) <a href="http://www.ncchc.org/education/national/national.html" target=newwindow>http://www.ncchc.org/education/national/national.html</a> Teleconference: "Dispelling the Myths About Sharing Data between Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems" (National GAINS Center in the Justice System and the Technical Assistance and Policy Analysis (TAPA) Center for Jail Diversion) November 13, 2006 at 2:00-3:30pm Eastern Time <a href="http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/eNews/Nov13_Net_Conf_Desc.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov/pdfs/eNews/Nov13_Net_Conf_Desc.pdf</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A>  <hr size="1">  <a name=news>Recent Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=524885" target=newwindow>10/12/06 - State Violated Offenders' Rights, Lawyer Tells Court (Albany Times Union (NY)) </a> A lawyer argued Wednesday that New York has violated the rights of convicted sex offenders who were forced into psychiatric facilities when their prison sentences ended. <li><a href="http://psychservices.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/full/57/10/1512-a" target=newwindow>10/11/06 - Editorial: Community Reintegration of Prisoners With Mental Illness (Psychiatric Services) </a> Mental health advocates should never underestimate the power of the budget to influence policy decisions. In this time of tightened budgets, we must be alert to opportunities that will support the practice of good psychiatry and we must partner with the agencies that play an important role in the lives of people with severe mental illness. <li><a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/288124_crime10.html" target=newwindow>10/10/06 - Victims Can Keep Tabs on Offenders (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) </a> For many victims of crime, the greatest fear is that their attacker will be released from jail without their knowledge. Now, crime victims across the state can go online or use their phone to find out when those who have attacked them are released, something crime-victim advocates say will give the victims a tool to plan for their safety. <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-prison7oct07,1,2368538.story" target=newwindow>10/7/06 - Study Faults Women's Prison Healthcare (Los Angeles Times) </a> Some prisoners held at the California Institution for Women in Corona failed to get basic health and dental care and told researchers they had often waited months to see a doctor or get their prescriptions filled, according to a study conducted by an advocacy group and the San Bernardino County Department of Health. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Reentry_News.aspx" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A>  <hr size="1">  <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/dudsfp04.pdf" target=newwindow>Drug Use and Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004 </a> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><A href="http://www.theiacp.org/documents/index.cfm?fuseaction=document&document_id=851" target=newwindow>Video: Offender Reentry - A Police Perspective </A> (International Association of Chiefs of Police) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1477" target=ne wwindow>Rebuilding Families, Reclaiming Lives- State Obligations to Children in Foster Care and Incarcerated Parents </A> (Brennan Center for Justice) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1439" target=ne wwindow>Incarceration, Reentry and Child Support Issues Research Overview </A> (Office of Child Support Enforcement) <li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/Document_Viewer.aspx?DocumentID=1440" target=ne wwindow>Working with Incarcerated and Released Parents Resource Guide </a> (Office of Child Support Enforcement)</li> </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters 21663

2009-09-22

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--- [] <a name=feature1>State Legislatures Tackle Prisoner Reentry in 2005-2006</a> In response to growing concern over public spending, community safety, and high recidivism rates, Republican and Democrat state legislators across the U.S. are tackling a wide range of issues relating to the successful reentry of individuals released from prison and jail. CSG has identified several different legislative approaches to addressing reentry issues that have been signed into law this past year. The following statutes do not necessarily reflect the views of CSG members, and CSG does not promote any of these statutes as a model. CSG has not conducted an empirical investigation of the effects of the statutes described below or a comprehensive review of all related state legislation in this area. There may be states not identified in this article that passed legislation in 2006 related to the issues discussed below. To suggest other legislation relevant to prisoner reentry that passed this year, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. Though states passed legislation on a variety of reentry issues this year, the following examples focus on <A href="#JobTrainingandEmployment">Job Training and Employment </A>, <A href="#Women">Incarcerated Women and Family Services </A>, <A href="#MedicalRecordsandContinuityofHealthcare">Medical Records and Continuity of Healthcare </A>, <A href="#ReentryStudiesandTaskForces">Reentry Studies and Task Forces </A>, and <A href="#SexOffenders">Sex Offenders </A>. <a name=JobTrainingandEmployment>Job Training and Employment</a> According to a 2001 study published in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, recidivism rates of individuals who participate in prison education, vocation, and work programs are 20 to 60 percent lower than those who did not participate in such programs. But even those who do participate often struggle to apply the work experience they gained during incarceration and to find stable employment after release. Legislatures this year sought ways to connect releasees as smoothly as possible to the job market. <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?061+sum+HB691" target=newwindow>Virginia House Bill 691 </a>, signed into law on March 23, 2006, requires the Department of Corrections to provide each prisoner upon release with verification of the individual's work history during incarceration and in-prison educational and treatment programs completed. Other legislation relating to reentry job training and employment that passed this year: <a href="http://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=1279&GAID=8&GA=94&DocTypeID=SB&LegID=18347&SessionID=50" target=newwindow>Illinois Senate Bill 1279 </a> <a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/ACT/PA/2006PA-00001-R00HB-05684-PA.htm" target=newwindow>Connecticut House Bill 5846 </a> <a href="http://www.statescape.com/SSBillText/TN2006/TN_2006_SB_002557_Current_7613.pdf#xml=http://www.statescape.com/Billsearch/SSsearchResult.asp?cmd=pdfhits&DocId=151111&Index=f%3a%5cSSBillText%5cssbilltext2002&HitCount=0&hits=&hc=0&req=" target=newwindow>Tennessee Senate Bill 2557 </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <a name=Women>Incarcerated Women and Family Services</a> While women are still a relatively small minority of the national inmate population, the rate of incarceration for women is rapidly increasing. Many women face particular gender-related challenges while incarcerated, including those involving childcare. In response to the increasing number of women incarcerated in Hawaii, which tripled between 1985 and 1995, <a href="http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/status/SB467.asp" target=newwindow>Hawaii Senate Bill 467 </a> was signed into law on April 29, 2006. The law appropriates funds to support gender-responsive community-based programs that address substance abuse, family relationships, vocational education, work, prior victimization, and domestic violence. Other legislation relating to incarcerated women and family services that passed this year: <a href="http://www.statescape.com/SSBillText/AL2006/AL_2006_HJR_000015_Current_4128.pdf#xml=http://www.statescape.com/Billsearch/SSsearchResult.asp?cmd=pdfhits&DocId=1708&Index=f%3a%5cSSBillText%5cssbilltext2002&HitCount=0&hits=&hc=0&req=" target=newwindow>Alabama House Joint Resolution 15 </a> <a href="http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2006/SB0262.html" target=newwindow>New Hampshire Senate Bill 262 </a> <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=75&GAID=8&DocTypeID=HJR&LegId=22603&SessionID=50&GA=94" target=newwindow>Illinois House Joint Resolution 75 </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <a name=MedicalRecordsandContinuityofHealthcare>Medical Records and Continuity of Healthcare</a> Millions of people with serious mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues are admitted to U.S. jails and prisons each year. Corrections agencies spend enormous amounts of money to provide healthcare for these individuals, but that investment may be wasted, and public safety jeopardized, if information about their medical conditions and treatment doesn't follow them through the criminal justice system and into the community when they are released. In order to address some of these issues, Washington State passed <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2573" target=newwindow>House Bill 2573 </a> on March 17, 2006 to improve health care outcomes and contain the costs of providing health care. The bill directs the Department of Corrections to coordinate a strategy that will integrate electronic health records in two jails and one prison to facilitate the transfer of inmate health information between state and local correctional facilities. Other legislation relating to medical records and continuity of healthcare that passed this year: <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=061&typ=bil&val=hb1093" target=newwindow>Virginia House Bill 1093 </a> <a href="http://search.state.id.us/search97cgi/s97_cgi.exe?action=View&VdkVgwKey=http%3A%2F%2Fwww3%2Estate%2Eid%2Eus%2Foasis%2F2006%2FH0430%2Ehtml&doctype=raw&Collection=2006+Session+Legislation" target=newwindow>Idaho House Bill 430 </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <a name=ReentryStudiesandTaskForces>Reentry Studies and Task Forces</a> Acquiring a clear understanding of the challenges facing, and posed by, men and women returning to a particular jurisdiction upon release from prison or jail is crucial to designing an effective reentry strategy. Policymakers should develop a knowledge base of existing reentry efforts, and explore data about the people that return from prison and the communities to which they return. Such efforts can help policymakers determine which initiatives will make the best use of limited state funds, and facilitate collaboration across state agencies that are involved in prisoner reentry. On May 16, 2006, <a href="http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=80&GAID=8&GA=94&DocTypeID=HJR&LegID=23049&SessionID=50" target=newwindow>Illinois House Joint Resolution 80 </a> was passed to fund a long-term study to determine whether life without parole and sentences over 30 years contribute to public safety and are an acceptable use of state funds. The bill establishes the Long-Term Prisoners Study Committee, which will hold a public hearing to present a report of its findings and recommendations before June 1, 2007. Other legislation relating to reentry studies and task forces that passed this year: <a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6308&year=2006" target=newwindow>Washington Senate Bill 6308 </a> <a href="http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?ses=061&typ=bil&val=sj126" target=newwindow>Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 126 </a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2006/2555.pdf" target=newwindow>Kansas House Bill 2555 </a> <a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=5781&which_year=2006&SUBMIT1.x=17&SUBMIT1.y=12" target=newwindow>Connecticut House Bill 5781 </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <a name=SexOffenders>Sex Offenders</a> No category of offenders has received more recent media attention than sex offenders. Such highly publicized crimes as the rape and murder of Jessica Lunsford in Florida have led legislatures across the country to revisit penalties and sex offender registration laws, and to restrict where sex offenders can live in an attempt to address increasing concerns about public safety. In Louisiana, <a href="http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=405978#search=%22Louisiana%20Act%20No.%20663%22" target=newwindow>Act No. 663 </a> was signed into law on June 29, 2006. This law requires a restriction code to appear on the driver's license of any convicted sex offender. It also requires every sex offender to notify the local police department and neighborhood residents of his or her name, address, crime for which he or she was convicted, and his or her place of employment (among other things) within 21 days of establishing residency in Louisiana, or within 21 days after release from prison. In addition, the law provides, through the Sex Offender Registry Technology Fund, for the development of an electronic alert system that will notify local law enforcement officials when a sex offender is released from prison or jail. Other legislation relating to sex offenders that passed this year: <a href="http://www.azleg.state.az.us/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=1328" target=newwindow>Arizona Senate Bill 1328 </a> <a href="http://www.in.gov/apps/lsa/session/billwatch/billinfo?year=2006&session=1&request=getBill&docno=1155" target=newwindow>Indiana House Bill 1155 </a> <a href="http://legis.state.nm.us/lcs/_session.asp?chamber=S&type=++&number=669&year=06" target=newwindow>New Mexico Senate Bill 669 </a> <a href="http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/sum/hb1059.htm" target=newwindow>Georgia House Bill 1059 </a> For more on reentry legislation, click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/legislation/" target=newwindow>here</a>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=hillupdate>Hill Update: Senate Judiciary Commitee Holds Hearing on Federal Assistance for Prisoner Reentry in States</a> On September 21, the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Rehabilitation and Corrections held a hearing "Oversight of Federal Assistance for Prisoner Rehabilitation and Reentry in Our States" to discuss how federal agencies are contributing to and evaluating state reentry initiatives. Witnesses included Roger Werholtz, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Corrections; and Diane Williams, President and CEO of the <a href="http://www.saferfoundation.org/viewpage.asp?id=4" target=newwindow>Safer Foundation </a>. Additional witnesses included representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK), Chairman of the Committee, ran the hearing along with ranking member Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL). Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL) were also in attendance. To view the full witness list and submitted testimony, click <a href="http://judiciary.senate.gov/testimony.cfm?id=2072&wit_id=5761" target=newwindow>here</a>. Senator Coburn questioned witnesses from the federal agencies on ways that various agencies coordinate their efforts to measure outcomes of multi-agency reentry initiatives such as the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative (SVORI) and the President's Reentry Initiative (PRI). "What's the metric we use to measure whether programs are effective? We need to track re-incarceration, not just re-arrests to measure this effectiveness and states should anticipate that they have to provide this data," said Senator Coburn. Regina Scofeld, Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, indicated that all federal grants now have evaluative components built in and that an independent agency is conducting multi-year evaluations of select SVORI grantee sites. In his remarks, Senator Durbin commended the Safer Foundation's work in Illinois in providing a range of education, employment and support services to individuals with a criminal record. He also spoke of the need for educational resources, such as G.E.D.and college credit courses, for individuals in prisons and jails to ensure that they have marketable skills once released. Witnesses all emphasized the importance of continued federal support of reentry initiatives. Secretary Werholtz commented on how federal grant money that constituted less than 1% of the entire fiscal year corrections budget, in combination with state, local and private funds, had enabled the Kansas Department of Corrections to develop additional services for crime victims and assist in the successful reintegration of offenders with their families, among other efforts. "Federal agencies provide funding to organizations such as mine that allow us to pursue innovations or put in place resources that would otherwise be beyond our reach." said Secretary Werholtz. He also noted that over a two year period, the state had reduced parole and probation revocations by 26 percent in part because of such federal support. Senator Brownback closed the hearing by emphasizing the importance of bipartisan initiatives like the Second Chance Act, which is a piece of federal legislation that would provide demonstration grants to states to develop a wide variety of initiatives to ensure successful reentry. For more information on the Second Chance Act click <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/government_affairs/second_chance_act" target=newwindow>here</a>. For more information on the hearing or on outreach to members of Congress around the Second Chance Act, contact Hope Glassberg (<A href="mailto:hglassberg@csg.org" >hglassberg@csg.org</A>) / 646-383-5737. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1">  <a name=announcements>Announcements</a> Upcoming Events: National Summit on Prisoner Reentry (Center for Social and Health Policy, The Performance Institute) October 8-9, 2006 (Arlington, VA) <a href="http://www.performanceweb.org/CENTERS/SP/Events/S238/S238.htm" target=newwindow >http://www.performanceweb.org/CENTERS/SP/Events/S238/S238.htm</a> National Transitional Jobs Network Conference: "Strengthening Communities. Building the Workforce of the Future. Transitional Jobs Work." October 12-13, 2006 (Atlanta, GA) <a href="http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Events/Events.htm" target=newwindow>http://www.transitionaljobs.net/Events/Events.htm</a> Prisoner Reentry Institute at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Series on Reentry Research: California's Prison Reform Speaker: Joan Petersilia (Professor of Criminology, Law and Society, University of California at Irvine) October 18, 2006 (New York, NY) <a href="http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf" target=newwindow>http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/centersinstitutes/pri/Fall2006Series.pdf</a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1"> <a name=news>Recent Coverage of Reentry Issues</a> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/news/state/15579650.htm" target=newwindow>9/22/06 - Suit Challenges Sex Offender Law (Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)) </a> A new Kentucky law that tightens restrictions on where sex offenders can live has prompted a federal lawsuit that contends the law is so rigid it will require offenders to move from nursing homes, court-ordered treatment centers, jails and prisons. The statute, which was enacted last winter, applies to offenders even if they are no longer on probation, parole or any type of judicial supervision. <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/19/AR2006091901469.html" target=newwindow>9/20/06 - A Drug Program Only Reached Through Prison (Washington Post) </a> The District's newest residential drug treatment facility offers substance abusers a unique approach to recovery. A patient starts off by taking a battery of tests to assess literacy, intelligence and even self-concept. A customized 28-day treatment plan is drawn up, and the patient receives regular medical care, counseling and job and life-skills training along with a variety of special treatments such as acupuncture and humor therapy. <li><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/07/us/07prisons.html?ex=1159329600&en=4090cbbb580cd633&ei=5070" target=newwindow>9/7/06 - Inmates Report Mental Illness at High Levels (New York Times) </a> More than half the inmates in the country's prisons and jails reported mental health problems within the last year, according to a Justice Department survey released yesterday. The findings, based on a sample of about 25,000 inmates, were drawn from personal interviews and prisoners' own reports of symptoms, psychiatric treatments or medications. </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.reentrypolicy.org/reentry/Reentry_News.aspx" target= newwindow>Click here to see more collected reentry news from the Reentry Policy Council. </a> <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> <hr size="1"> <a name=resources> Recent Published Resources on Reentry Issues</a> <ul><li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/ASP.Net/Components/AX.CMS.DocumentViewer/Download.aspx?DocumentID=1377" target=newwindow>Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates </a> (Bureau of Justice Statistics) <li><A href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/ASP.Net/Components/AX.CMS.DocumentViewer/Download.aspx?DocumentID=1390" target=newwindow>Going Home to Stay: A Guide for Successful Reentry for Men and Women </A> (Cleveland Reentry Strategy and United Way of Greater Cleveland) <li><a href="http://reentry.microportals.net/reentry/ASP.Net/Components/AX.CMS.DocumentViewer/Download.aspx?DocumentID=1393" target=newwindow>Prisoner Reentry: Addressing the Challenges in Weed and Seed Communities </a> (Urban Institute)</li> </ul> To suggest additional resources for inclusion in the RPC newsletter, please email <A href="mailto:editors@reentrypolicy.org" >editors@reentrypolicy.org</A>. <A href="#top" > > Back to top</A> Newsletters