Discover a wide range of free resources dedicated to reducing recidivism and supporting successful reintegration.
Access federal and state-specific programs, grants, and initiatives designed to provide education, vocational training, behavioral health treatment, community engagement, and effective supervision strategies.
Federal and Private Resources for Reducing Recidivism
-
Second Chance Pell Grants
Description: Provides financial aid to incarcerated individuals to pursue postsecondary education.
Eligibility: Institutions that partner with correctional facilities to offer educational programs can apply.
-
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Description: Offers funding for job training and employment services, including for incarcerated individuals.
Eligibility: State and local workforce development boards can apply for funding.
-
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Grants
Description: Provides funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
Eligibility: Various grants are available for state and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations.
-
Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP)
Description: Supports collaboration between criminal justice and mental health systems to address mental health and substance abuse issues among offenders. Funding can be used to hire psychologists and psychiatrists.
Eligibility: State and local governments.
-
Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program
Description: Provides funding to improve reentry outcomes for offenders. This includes mental health and substance abuse treatment, which can involve hiring mental health professionals.
Eligibility: State and local governments, and nonprofit organizations.
-
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program (COSSAP)
Description: Provides funding to enhance public safety and health by addressing substance abuse. Funds can be used for mental health services, including the hiring of psychologists and psychiatrists.
Eligibility: State and local governments.
-
AmeriCorps State and National Grants
Description: Provides funding for community service projects, including those involving incarcerated individuals.
Eligibility: Nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations can apply.
-
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development (CPD) Grants
Description: Supports innovative community policing strategies, including those that involve community service projects for inmates.
Eligibility: Law enforcement agencies and community organizations can apply.
-
Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) Program
Description: Provides funding for various criminal justice programs, including supervision and monitoring of offenders.
Eligibility: State and local governments can apply.
-
Smart Supervision Program
Description: Supports the implementation of evidence-based practices to improve probation and parole supervision outcomes.
Eligibility: State and local governments, as well as tribal organizations, can apply.
-
National Employers
National employers who hire, or have hired, convicted felons.
State Resources Assistance for Reducing Recidivism Packet
-
Arizona
This resource packet provides information on state and private assistance programs available in Arizona to support the implementation of comprehensive recidivism reduction strategies.
These resources can help cover costs related to tuition, vocational training, behavioral health therapy, drug rehabilitation therapy, community involvement, and supervision grants.
-
Tennessee
This resource packet provides information on state and private assistance programs available in Tennessee to support the implementation of comprehensive recidivism reduction strategies.
These resources can help cover costs related to tuition, vocational training, behavioral health therapy, drug rehabilitation therapy, community involvement, and supervision grants.
-
Arkansas
This resource packet provides information on state and private assistance programs available in Arkansas to support the implementation of comprehensive recidivism reduction strategies.
These resources can help cover costs related to tuition, vocational training, behavioral health therapy, drug rehabilitation therapy, community involvement, and supervision grants.
How to Get Started with Reducing Recidivism: A Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Understand the Process
Review and understand the overall process of reducing recidivism.
Learn the Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with the key concepts and strategies for reducing recidivism. This includes understanding the importance of education, employment, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and community engagement.
Contact Us for Guidance: Reach out to us for personalized support and to answer any questions you may have.
-
Step 2: Explore Grant Opportunities
Review all available grant opportunities.
Identify Funding Sources: Explore various federal, state, and private grants that provide financial support for recidivism reduction programs.
Assess Eligibility: Determine which grants your agency or jail is eligible for and understand the application requirements.
-
Step 3: Determine Your Starting Point
Choose which of the four cornerstones to incorporate first.
Education:
Benefits: Provides inmates with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful reintegration. Education can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
Challenges: Requires partnerships with educational institutions and may involve logistical challenges in implementing programs within correctional facilities.
Employment:
Benefits: Provides financial stability and a sense of purpose, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Challenges: Requires collaboration with local businesses and may need tailored job training programs.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment:
Benefits: Addresses underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, leading to long-term positive outcomes.
Challenges: Requires comprehensive treatment programs and ongoing support, which may be resource-intensive.
Community Engagement:
Benefits: Creates a supportive network that helps former inmates navigate reentry challenges.
Challenges: Involves building strong community ties and may require extensive coordination with community organizations.
-
Step 4: Begin the Program
Implement your chosen recidivism reduction program.
Develop a Plan: Create a detailed plan for implementing the program, including timelines, roles, and responsibilities.
Pilot the Program: Start with a pilot program to test the effectiveness of your strategies and make necessary adjustments.
Evaluate and Scale: Continuously evaluate the program's outcomes and scale successful initiatives to reach more inmates.