The Biden Administration is planning to set aside $145 million to aid formerly incarcerated people succeed when they return to their communities.
The monies will be used to help connect prisoners to resources such as jobs and housing upon their release, National Public Radio reported.
“Helping those who served their time return to their families and become contributing members of their communities is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism and decrease crime,” President Joe Biden said in a statement in April.
In his 2020 presidential campaign, Biden promised to work on reforming the criminal legal system.
Reform advocates say Biden has made positive changes, such as rescinding a memo from his predecessor, Donald Trump, who pushed for stiffer penalties for serious crimes. Some other reform activists have pointed out that during Biden’s term, the federal prison population has grown.
This proposed new plan will be funded by grants, according to the story.
According to the White House, reentry plans should begin upon incarcerated and no later than 18 months before a person’s sentence is complete.
The plan calls for correctional facilities to increase job training, literacy, digital skills, and education. It also calls for collaboration between corrections departments and local, state and federal agencies to help arrange housing and transportation for newly released people. The plan would also help connect the formerly incarcerated with Medicare and veterans benefits.
“Formerly incarcerated persons are an underutilized talent pool despite employers attesting that formerly incarcerated persons are often some of their best and most dedicated employees,” said the statement from the White House.
