Reentry Magazine Volume 1 | Page 4

NATIONAL REENTRY

According to the National Institute of Corrections , Reentry refers to the transition of individuals from prison or jails back into the community . According to U . S . Bureau of Justice Statistics data for 2019 , there are approximately 2,185,008 individuals incarcerated in prison and jail in the United States ; additionally , 4,475,925 are serving sentences on probation or parole .

2008

In 2008 , the United States Congress passed the Second Chance Act of 2007 . The purpose of the Second Chance Act is to reduce recidivism , increase public safety , and assist states and communities to address the growing population of individuals returning to communities . The focus has been placed on four areas : jobs , housing , substance abuse / mental health treatment and families .

2018

More recently in December 2018 , the First Step Act was passed into law . The purpose of the First Step law is to provide for programs to help reduce the risk that individuals will recidivate upon release from prison , and for other purposes .

Over the years various forms of reentry programs throughout the nation have been found to be an effective tool at reducing future crime and ensuring people become contributing members of their community after paying their debt to society . In 2013 , the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform was created and tasked with conducting annual comprehensive reviews of issues relating to criminal laws and preceding in Georgia . Attention was focused on reducing the adult correctional population , juvenile justice reform , and enhancing reentry and reducing recidivism .

2019

In 2019 , in Georgia there were over 54,113 individuals incarcerated in Department of Corrections ( GDC ) custody . There were also 441,060 individuals serving community supervision of probation or parole in their communities .

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