ADEQUATE SUPPORT FOR SECOND CHANCE PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, the Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Program helps to ensure the successful reentry of prisoners to their communities by assisting state and local governments to work in partnership with nonprofit organizations to establish prisoner reentry programs that aid in preventing recidivism and homelessness by providing: education, vocational training, job placement, and housing that is permanent, affordable and linked to health, mental health, employment, and other support services that provide long-term, community-based housing options; and

WHEREAS, throughthe Second Chance Act these comprehensive, coordinated reentry services are targeted toward the populations most in need, helping to break the vicious cycle of recidivism and reduce the financial burden on our local and state criminal justice systems; and

WHEREAS, evidence-based reentry programs, like those supported by the Second Chance Act, promote safer communities, stronger families, and smarter fiscal policies as they facilitate the often difficult transition from prison to the community, not only reducing crime, but saving taxpayer dollars; and

WHEREAS, in 2010, over 700,000 individuals were released from state and federal prisons, an increase of 20 percent from 2000,  and without support, four in 10 of these individuals are expected to be re-incarcerated within three years; and

WHEREAS,  funding for Second Chance programs has been significantly reduced in recent years;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the United States Conference of Mayors urges Congress to provide funding for Second Chance programs at a level sufficient to meet the need for this important program.