SearchAdvocating for Important Re-entry Legislation, such as the Second Chance Act
LAC played a critical role in ensuring the passage of the Second Chance Act, historic legislation to help States and localities assistance to better address the needs of individuals reentering the community from the criminal justice system. Public Law 110-199 was signed into law by President Bush on April 9, 2008. The Second Chance Act authorizes grants to States and localities to begin to address the need for drug and mental health treatment, job training and education opportunities, and housing, as well as other critical services for individuals when they return to the community from incarceration. The programs authorized by the Second Chance Act will help reduce recidivism and better coordinate reentry services and policies at the federal, state and local levels to make the most of government investments. Allowable uses of funds include mentorship, housing, education and job training, engagement with community colleges, family programming, initiatives addressing victim priorities and restorative justice, research to improve the effectiveness of release and revocation decisions using risk assessment tools, and reentry court programs.
Click here for more information on the Second Chance Act
On March 13, 2008, supporters of the Second Chance Act gathered at a press conference hosted by Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL). Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) also attended to show her support for the Second Chance Act. Representatives from several national groups, including Paul Samuels of LAC, commended the Congress for their work on the Second Chance Act over the past few years.
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