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Second Chance Month Helps Raise Awareness

Second Chance Month Helps Raise Awareness
Most people are shocked to learn that approximately 70 million Americans have a criminal record. That’s one in three American adults! Last year in Missouri alone, there were more than 26,000 individuals incarcerated and 63,000 on probation or parole.
When they are released from prison, former offenders, despite having served their sentences, continue to face difficult legal, economic and social barriers to success. If they don’t have the resources, support — or, frankly, wherewithal — to overcome these challenges, there’s a greater probability they will commit more crime and go back to prison.

It’s time to stop the second prison and start second chances.

On January 31st, 2020, the Governor of Missouri joined many other state governors and the U.S. federal government in proclaiming the month of April as Second Chance Month. Raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities related to community re-entry for former offenders is key to turning things around. A recent Justice Reform Survey found that 86 percent of U.S. adults agree the primary goal of the criminal justice system should be restoration for all parties, including the victim, the community — and the person who committed the crime.

To that end, in 2018, the First Step Act was signed into law. Among other reforms to the the criminal justice system, the Act reduces penalties and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life sentence for certain non-violent, drug-related offenses,. It also gives judges more discretion on sentencing when it comes to drug-related offenses for individuals with low or no prior criminal history, and allows some, already incarcerated low-level drug offenders to petition to have their sentences reviewed and potentially reduced upon consideration of all circumstances. The Act also expands rehab and employment training programs inside prisons.

The First Step Act is certainly a step in the right direction toward offering second chances. But it’s only a first step.

Community re-entry programs like those offered at Journey to New Life are a critical next step. These programs give former offenders the power to change. When we intervene immediately upon release and provide re-entry assistance with food, housing, employment, case management and family reunification, we significantly reduce the probability of more crime and re-incarceration.

That’s what second chances are really about.

Join us in giving these individuals the power to change. Spread the word. Get involved.

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