PF Commentary: Prisoner Reentry

Common Sense Prison Reforms Will Help McDonnell Close Budget Gap

By Pat Nolan|Published Date: December 03, 2009

When Bob McDonnell is sworn in as Governor in January he will inherit a budget that is out of balance by at least $1.35 Billion. Spending on correction is expanding faster than nearly all others sectors of the budget and is an area that Governor McDonnell must look to for savings. I realize that it is unusual for a conservative to suggest cuts in the criminal justice system. Public safety is one of the primary responsibilities of government, and the fast rising costs of prisons have been viewed by conservatives as the price tag for protecting the public.

Mass Incarceration in the United States

Testimony by Pat Nolan before the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress - 10/04/07

The Role of Nonprofits in the Rehabilitation of Prisoners

By Mark Earley

Prison Fellowship and Prisoner Reentry

DC Public Safety Radio Show - Interview with Pat Nolan - 8/12/08

How can we teach young prisoners who have failed traditional education?

How can we teach young (specifically black) men in the prison system who have failed the traditional model for education? What are practical ideas?
Paul Haak

From Mark Earley:

Many inmates, regardless of their ethnicity, are school dropouts. Many came out of very poor performing school districts, and had little if no parental support in their educational experience. Many have very low reading and writing skills. When possible we encourage the prisoners at a minimum to pursue their GED.

Second Chance Act Resources

Your voices were heard! Thank you so much for your quick and strong response to our Action Alert. Your calls flooded the Capitol and the legislators listened. The House and Senate conferees released their Appropriations Report which contained $63 million for the Second Chance Act.

This is a remarkable achievement in an atmosphere in which many programs have been eliminated. Congratulations to all of you who are working so hard in reentry and giving the “reentry movement” credibility with the remarkable success you are having in helping inmates successfully make the transition from prison to home.

The Second Chance Act act provides grants for state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to help offenders make a successful transition back home. Justice Fellowship has worked with a broad coalition over the years to bring the act to reality. Now, funds are flowing to programs across the country that are making a difference in offenders' lives!