By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Reentry Alabama, formally known as the Study Commission on Interagency Cooperation and Collaboration on the Rehabilitation of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals, met Tuesday to continue working to deliver solutions and recommendations on new programs the state should consider implementing to improve reintegration and drastically reduce recidivism for those on parole or probation.
The commission discussed topics such as the importance of standardizing data, which allows for more effective tracking and assessment of reentry programs and outcomes, and the need to address collateral consequences – a strategy that focuses on commonsense ideas, like removing barriers that hinder employment and economic mobility for formerly incarcerated individuals while also strengthening Alabama’s workforce participation rate.
In alignment with Reentry Alabama’s mission to introduce innovative programs for reentry, the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles has been committed to developing initiatives that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. A notable success in this endeavor is the Perry County PREP Center, which has significantly contributed to preparing incarcerated individuals for reintegration into society through personal development, educational advancement, vocational training and life skills. Since opening in 2022, zero of the nearly 300 graduates of the program have recidivated or returned to prison. Consequently, the PREP Center will be included in a soon-to-be-released book to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Second Chance Act as a case-study for what works in reentry.
The meeting also featured presentations from the Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center and a roundtable discussion among committee members and stakeholders.
VIDEO OF MEETING: https://vimeo.com/1040931057
ABOUT REENTRY ALABAMA
Reentry Alabama is tasked with reducing instances of recidivism in Alabama’s justice-involved population by identifying and implementing solutions that support successful reintegration after incarceration, fostering collaboration among state agencies to support reentry, expanding access to education and mental health programs, eliminating impediments to reentry, and pursuing partnerships with the private sector to create a workforce and job-opportunity pipeline for those served by reentry efforts.
Under the chairmanship of ABPP Director Cam Ward, Reentry Alabama includes Senator Will Barfoot, Senator Robert Stewart, Representative Chris England and Representative Prince Chesnut as well as representatives from the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, Alabama Department of Labor, Alabama Community College System, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Department of Human Resources, Alabama Medicaid, Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama Veterans Affairs, Alabama Department of Youth Services and the Alabama District Attorneys Association. Additionally, several at-large members of the commission represent higher education institutions, advocacy groups and the judicial branch.