This month ABPP recognizes how quality reentry can lead to reduced recidivism, healthier families, a more productive workforce and stronger communities.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles recognizes and celebrates Second Chance Month during April, highlighting the important role reentry plays in reducing recidivism and creating safer, stronger communities. Throughout the month, we will recognize the quality work our officers and support staff put into the many rehabilitative programs across Alabama and celebrate the successes of probationers and parolees.
Bureau Director Cam Ward said, “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our dedicated law enforcement officers and staff. Every day, we change lives through our hard work, providing the guidance and support needed for successful reentry. Our efforts not only create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance but also build safer, stronger communities across Alabama. Second Chance Month gives us the opportunity to reflect on this vital work and embrace new innovations to continuously improve and strengthen our programs even further.”
Please see a special video message from Director Ward. Here is how ABPP will celebrate Second Chance Month:
Governor’s Proclamation
Governor Kay Ivey will host her April Proclamation Ceremony, set to include a special Second Chance Month proclamation, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Changing the Course Art Show
The Changing the Course Art Show is a collaboration of seven state entities to display the amazing art created by the currently and formerly incarcerated. You’re invited to attend on April 15 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.
PREP Center Graduation
A special PREP Center graduation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10:00 a.m in Uniontown. Since the PREP Center opened in April 2022, 0% of PREP Graduates have returned to incarceration after graduating. (Livestream)
Day Reporting Center Graduations
Two Day Reporting Center graduations are planned for April, celebrating the accomplishments of probationers and parolees who have successfully completed intense DRC rehabilitation programs.
The Sand Mountain Day Reporting Center Lite graduation is Thursday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m in Albertville (Livestream). The Baldwin Day Reporting Center Lite graduation is Thursday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. in Bay Minette (Livestream).
Employee Spotlights
Bureau employees have gone above and beyond to not only facilitate reentry programs and curriculums, but also innovate new ways to reduce recidivism.
Program and Location Spotlights
Learn about the Bureau’s growing number of special populations locations specifically designed to divert returning to incarceration. We will also highlight the data showing how reentry programs change lives for the better.
Community and Employment Partnership Spotlights
We are not alone in our mission. The Bureau works with businesses and state entities across Alabama to provide the best resources for our probationers and parolees. Employment is essential for people who are returning to their communities after incarceration so they can support themselves and their families. We will highlight community and business partners dedicated to the mission of quality reentry and employment.
Special Announcement
ABPP will conclude Second Chance Month with a special reentry-focused announcement.
“I’m so proud to feature the dedication of our reentry-focused officers, as well as the successes of probationers and parolees in our programs,” said Assistant Director for Reentry Rebecca Bensema. “We are creating neighbors, classmates and employees.”
Second Chance Month, inspired by the Second Chance Act (SCA), takes place each April and is spearheaded by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC), the nation’s primary source of information and guidance in reentry. Since its passage in 2008, the SCA has supported work that improves reentry outcomes throughout the country. The SCA continues to receive strong bipartisan backing, reflecting a nationwide commitment to effective reentry. Visit the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) to review resources, register for events, and learn more.