The United States maintains one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, with over two million people currently behind bars. However, at some point, the majority of these individuals will be released and expected to reintegrate into society – a task that is often easier said than done. This is where the necessity and impact of federal reentry programs come to the forefront.
Federal reentry programs provide vital post-incarceration support to the formerly incarcerated individuals with an aim to lower recidivism rates, thus contributing to public safety. With about two-thirds of released prisoners being rearrested within three years of release, the need for effective reentry programs becomes immediately apparent.
The programs are designed to tackle the myriad of issues that ex-offenders face upon release including unemployment, lack of housing, untreated mental health or substance abuse issues, and difficulty in regaining family ties or trust of community, among others.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) works in partnership with other federal entities including the Departments of Labor (DOL), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Education (DOE), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Veterans Affairs (VA) to administer and enhance these programs.
One such successful program is the Second Chance Act (SCA). Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the Act supports state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations in their work to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from state and federal prisons, local jails, and juvenile facilities. According to a recent study, the Second Chance Act has contributed to a significant decrease in recidivism rates in a number of states.
The DOJ’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) also operates Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) and home confinement programs that provide inmates nearing end of their sentence a structured and supervised environment to learn new skills and adapt to society. In FY 2020, more than 20,000 inmates benefited from RRCs and home confinement programs, of which 81% found employment upon their release.
Despite their effectiveness, federal reentry programs are underutilized and not always readily available. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office noted that a significant number of prisoners who could benefit from these programs were unable to access them, primarily due to lack of awareness and funding constraints.
It’s important to note that besides reducing recidivism, efficient reentry programs also offer broad societal benefits. They contribute to lowering taxpayer costs for incarceration, reducing crime, enhancing community safety, increasing employment rates, and most importantly, giving ex-offenders a second chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society.
Reentry programs recognize that behind every number in recidivism statistics, there is a human being. They provide opportunity for these individuals to claim a fresh start and more than anything, these programs tell them that society has not completely given up on them.
The work of federal reentry programs is a testament to how well-structured and well-executed policies can create long-term societal changes. Given their proven effectiveness, there is an urgent need to allocate more resources and support these initiatives on a broader scale.
Improving the implementation of federal reentry programs not only encourages a more humane and effective criminal justice system, it also contributes to a safer and stronger society.
Therefore, as we aim to make our neighborhoods safer, let’s remember that rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in achieving this objective. And, as shown by our federal reentry programs, transforming lives from criminal recidivism to successful reintegration is not only possible, but is also the best path forward.