The Second Chance Act (Fact Sheet)
Nearly all of the 2.2 million people incarcerated in the United States will be released at some point. People who are returning to their communities after prison or jail have complex challenges and needs that contribute to the likelihood that they may be reincarcerated. Since 2009, more than 800 Second Chance Act grant awards have been made to government agencies and nonprofits for reentry programming designed to provide services that can help reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
s one of the first points of contact in the criminal justice system, sheriff’s offices and their correctional facilities are key players in addressing the immediate needs of families impacted by incarceration and promoting family connections. For jails to meet the needs of families in the community, coordinating across county lines and learning from peers are essential. However, jail systems are often siloed, and collaboration between jails in different counties is rare. In Minnesota, the state department of health stepped in to address this gap.
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