New Arizona Program Helps Inmates Return to Society

We've all experienced life transitions. Remember going from grade school to high school? Or the challenge of learning the ropes at a new job? Or maybe you've moved to a new city and didn't know anyone?

Life transitions are difficult under the best circumstances. Without support, it can be extremely hard. Imagine leaving prison and trying to return to society with a rap sheet. Difficult doesn't even begin to describe how tough it could be.

Arizona just joined a special nationwide program to make the transition easier.

What is Reentry 2030 and How Does it Help Arizona?

Arizona just joined a national initiative to help incarcerated people reintegrate into society. Reentry 2030 provides job training, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs.

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The goal is to reduce recidivism by providing alternatives, so individuals don't end up on a track back to prison. The program could also improve public safety by helping connect people leaving prison with the skills and opportunities they need for stable employment.

Reentry 2030 in Arizona

This month, Arizona officially joined Reentry 2030 when Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order bringing our state into the program. Arizona became the seventh to participate in the growing national alliance.

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Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry leads the effort. They're working with state agencies like the Department of Economic Security (DES) and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCS) to put the plan into action.

The Reentry 2030 program is funded through federal and private sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Gates Foundation.

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Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism in Arizona

Arizona hopes to break the cycle of incarceration and strengthen its economy by investing in rehabilitation and employment opportunities.

Statistics show that about 93% of incarcerated individuals will eventually return to society, yet fewer than are employed a year after their release. Reentry 2030 is working to change that statistic by connecting former inmates with meaningful work.

The initiative also provides education and healthcare to help people turn their lives around. It's the missing piece of the puzzle to helping former inmates rebuild their lives.

Sources: Arizona Department of Corrections | KGUN9 | AZ Central | AHCCCS | AZ Governor Hobbs | US Bureau of Justice | Reentry 2030