Second Chance Act needs $70 million in 2009!
Key policy issue at Congressional Reception!
One of the three policy issues for the 2nd Annual Congressional Reception is adequate funding for the Second Chance Act. The position of the New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness advocates for Congress to provide $70 million for the Second Chance Act programs in fiscal year 2009.
Please read this entire policy position paper. To read it as a separate document click here. For more information on the Second Chance Act click here.
The Second Chance Act has been explicitly billed as a “first step” in developing a more effective federal response to the problem of people leaving corrections without adequate support. This act reauthorizes and revises an existing grant program within the Department of Justice, providing money to states for reentry programs, and it creates a federal interagency task force to study and coordinate policy. The act also commissions a number of research projects, including a study of barriers in federal policy to successful reentry, and authorizes grants from the Department of Justice directly to nonprofits for reentry programs.
Housing is a key part of any reentry strategy, and it is addressed in a number of ways in the Second Chance Act:
Under the state grants program, housing activities are eligible uses of program funds, from providing housing directly to assisting people in securing housing from the private market or other housing programs.
Another eligible use of funds is strengthening the capacity of prisoners’ families to provide stable living situations.
Housing is to be addressed in the strategic plan required of each state receiving funding.
Housing is one of the performance outcomes that each state receiving funding is required to monitor and report to the Justice Department.
Recommendation
The New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness urges Congress to provide $70 million for the Second Chance Act programs in fiscal year 2009.
Further action by Congress will be necessary to incentivize good discharge planning and to ensure that resources are available for housing those leaving the corrections system.
Current Status
The Second Chance Act was signed into law by the President in April, 2008.
The Second Chance Act received bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress and is supported by a broad spectrum of leaders representing diverse fields including law enforcement, faith-based organizations, and behavioral health and homeless service providers.
The House Appropriations Committee recently approved a funding level of $45 million for programs under the Second Chance Act programs. The Senate Appropriations Committee included a funding level of $20 million in their version of the fiscal year 2009 appropriations bill.
For more information on the Second Chance Act click here.
Tags: Advocacy, Advocacy Network, Congressional Reception, Ending Homelessness, New Jersey Advocacy Network to End Homelessness, Second Chance, Second Chance Act
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Iam glad to know that someone was seeing the real effects of just letting prisoners return without a safty net.NEW VISIONS OF HOPE OUTREACH,has been a refuge for returning felons for over 15yrs.We offer faith base substance abuse awareness and other life skills.I understand if there is a substance issue,there will soon be a marital issue,money,family and a host of other issues,all needing to be dealt with.I my self have spent time in prison,I was also a repeat offender.There was nothing in place for me in 1979,by the GRACE OF GOD I met some one who helped me start life over.I have been out of prison for almost 30yrs,founded NEW VISIONS .I believe a person can change even after prison.We offer a program called ”CHANGE” Certain Habits Absolutely Need God’s Effectiveness!,it is what help me stop the MADNESS.I’m here to do my part,help men and women make good on there second chance,re-orientate the installation of hope to those whose opportunity has been destroyed,stolen,or simply just given away in exchange for drugs,alcoholism,sex money,incarceration or just for plain oh NOTHING!Our new Center will open Jan 2009.We are closing our aftercare Dece 24,2008,ran out of funds for housing.We will have a 24 hr Hope line come Jan.1-888-303-HOPE toll free,and 409-948-HOPE.We will be able to pray with people all day,any day,suicidal,depressed,coming down off of a high,broke,seperated,lost job,just left prison,you name it,we’ll pray you through.Helping Other People Excel-HOPE.Thanks for your time. IN HIS SERVICE! Pastor James Green.