‘Still valuable’: NC dedicating $1.9 million to support inmates with reentry in 27 counties
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — More than 700 criminal justice leaders are in Raleigh this week focusing on how to help those transition to a life outside of prison.
State corrections leaders say the North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference is about strengthening the support process for those coming out of prisons and detention centers. State leaders announced Tuesday that $1.9 million from the adult corrections budget will be used to create reentry councils in 27 new counties.
Secretary of Adult Corrections Todd Ishee told CBS 17 that’ll mean a total of 54 reentry councils statewide to help former offenders get connected.
“Many men and women that are returning home are in need of some level of support, whether it’s health care or programing or assistance with finding houses or help with getting a driver’s license,” said Ishee.
Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Shinica Thomas said new plans are in the works to help former Wake County offenders but she couldn’t reveal them just yet. However, she said they’re already helping them find jobs and get their GEDs.
“Even though they’re in a vulnerable state coming home, they’re still valuable to our community,” Thomas said.
Governor Cooper signed an executive order in January directing state agencies to help former offenders adjust to life after prison. North Carolina is one of several states joining the “Reentry 2030” national initiative to help former offenders.
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