The Second Chance Act

In April 2008, Congress passed the Second Chance Act which authorized federal grants to assist states, counties and nonprofit organizations in developing and implementing programs to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into the community after release from correctional facilities. Every year, 700,00 to 800,000 people are released from incarceration into the community providing and at least half of all individuals released from incarceration will recidivate in some way post release. This is largely due to barriers including prejudice and a lack of resources that would provide returning citizens with the necessary support to get their lives back on track. 

The Second Chance Act addresses this issue by providing such support to prisoners returning to society. Through the act, the Department of Justice has administered up to 165 million in federal grants to state and local government agencies as well as non profit organizations for the funding of initiatives and programs that assist those released from prison needs. This includes practical applications such as educational and career counseling, and hands-on job training. The Act also provides specialized support such as in the tech industry or the arts field. Lastly, the act supports returning citizens through familial care and health treatment. The Second Chance Act has the goal of truly that: to provide returning citizens with a fair second chance in an effort to reduce recidivism and increase public safety.