Office of Congressman Scott Taylor
The CJS FY 2018 bill provides $68 million in continued support for Second Chance Act programs. Second Chance, which was passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008—authorizes federal grants for vital programs and systems reform aimed at improving the reentry process and reducing recidivism.
“I believe that helping nonviolent offenders get a second chance is a step in the right direction. That’s why I support funding for the Second Chance Act,” Congressman Scott Taylor (R-VA) said. Rehabilitation efforts, such as the ones in the Second Chance Act, will help statewide efforts to reduce the damaging cycle of recidivism.
Since 2009, Second Chance Act grants have been awarded to agencies and organizations in 49 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 137,000 people returning home from prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. These programs provide a range of services, including mental health counseling, employment services, educational and training programs, housing assistance, family-based substance abuse treatment and other evidence-based reentry programs. Virginia has been awarded 20 Second Chance Act grants since 2009.
Congressman Taylor is an original cosponsor the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation that that supports state and local reentry programs to reduce recidivism and provide those leaving prison with real opportunities to rebuild their lives after they are released.
Source: JusticeCenter