The Second Chance Act (Fact Sheet)

The Second Chance Act (SCA) supports state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations in their work to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for people returning from state and federal prisons, local jails, and juvenile facilities. Passed with bipartisan support and signed into law on April 9, 2008, SCA legislation authorizes federal grants for vital programs and systems reform aimed at improving the reentry process. Since its inception, 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. From 2009 to 2019, the CSG Justice Center provided technical assistance to Second Chance Act grantees. For the most up-to-date information on Second Chance Act, please visit the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs.