Convening the second meeting of the inter-agency Federal Reentry Council, Attorney General Eric Holder Tuesday announced the Justice Department has awarded $83 million in grants in an effort to reduce recidivism.
Holder and Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, head of the Office of Justice Programs, said that the money – provided to DOJ under the Second Chance Act of 2008 — was awarded to 131 charitable organizations. More than 1,000 applications were received.
“We must use every tool at our disposal to tear down the unnecessary barriers to economic opportunities and independence so that formerly incarcerated individuals can serve as productive members of their communities,” Holder said at the second semi-annual meeting of the group.
“The Department of Justice today announced it is providing funding to local organizations whose critical work will reduce recidivism and victimization” Holder said. “At the same time, the council is ensuring these individuals and their families have the facts about federal policies and resources governing employment issues, veterans’ benefits and voting rights as they return home.”
The grants are designed to support include re-entry planning projects, substance abuse treatment programs, mentoring programs and technology career training projects for prisoners.
