The Prisoner Re-entry Initiative is designed to strengthen urban communities through an employment-centered program that incorporates mentoring, job training, and other comprehensive transitional services. This program seeks to reduce recidivism by helping former inmates find work when they return to their communities, as part of an effort to build a life in the community for everyone. In the local areas served through this initiative, faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) will provide comprehensive and coordinated services to ex-offenders in the following three areas:
Target Population to be Served
Individuals 18 years old and older, who have been convicted as an adult and imprisoned pursuant to an Act of Congress or a State law, and who have never been convicted of a violent or sex-related offense can be served with these grants. Individuals should be enrolled in the program within 180 days after their release from prison or a halfway house. Up to 10 percent of individuals served can be enrolled over 180 days from their prison release. Services may be provided to individuals who have been released from prison and are residing in a halfway house.
Allowable Uses of Grant Funds
DOL grant funds can be used to provide a variety of services to returning prisoners, including workforce development services, job training, on-the-job training, work experience, basic skills remediation, counseling and case management, mentoring, and other reentry services. DOL grant funds may not be used for housing, substance abuse treatment services, and pre-release services other than recruitment, introductory meetings, orientations, and other activities necessary to establishing program connections with prisoners prior to their release. The Department of Justice (DOJ) PRI grants to state agencies will provide pre-release services.