Virginia’s Republican and Democratic lawmakers agree on at least one issue: successful reentry means greater public safety. Virginia is expected to implement evidence-based reentry practices in five state prisons by July 1. The use of strategic programming is hoped to allow inmates to create more viable reentry plans.
The cost of keeping a prisoner locked up in Virginia averages $25,000 a year. The state expects that the new reentry initiative will lower the recidivism rate, thus reducing the state’s budget. With 13,000 inmates released from Virginia’s prisons and jails annually, the state is hoping to infuse inmates with new skills and attitudes before they walk out of the prison gate. Previously, an inmate would step into the community with just $25, the clothes on his or her back, and the traditional send off of “Good luck. Don’t come back.” Now, inmates will be better prepared to transition successfully.
Eligible inmates in the Virginia correctional system may now obtain classes in substance abuse, job training, and controlling anger. Still, inmates will have obstacles to overcome upon release. Stable and secure housing is a major concern for some inmates, especially those with mental illness. Mira Signer of the National Alliance on Mental Health told NBC29 that formerly incarcerated persons, particularly those with mental health issues, are “locked out of many housing communities.”
Employment obstacles may also confront newly released inmates. Employers traditionally do not welcome convicted felons with open arms. But now Virginia’s ex-prisoners will have the opportunity to put their new job skills training to use, and will be able promote themselves more confidently.
Some of the prison-based reentry programs already in place are equipping inmates with the skills and education needed to compete in today’s job market. The One Stop Behind Bars program at Dillwyn Correctional Center instructs soon-to-be released on resume writing and successful interviewing techniques. Job leads are also available. Southside Virginia Community College offers college classes to inmates at Greensville Correctional Center.
$3.2 million funding from the state will mostly be directed toward reentry program staffing. Faith-based and community service organizations are being asked to aid those transitioning back to the community. Connecting newly released individuals to agencies located in the communities in which they will be released is another component of the Virginia’s effort to provide a smoother transition.
NBC29 reported that some Republicans are not quite convinced that the reentry initiative will succeed. However, Harold Clarke, Virginia’s DOC director, told The Daily Progress, “Effective reentry is what promotes sustainable public safety.” Perhaps that is the reason Governor McDonnell is living up to his claim that he would make reentry a priority.
Sources: NBC29 and The Daily Progress
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