This year has marked a significant moment for reentry reform, with North Carolina, Nebraska and New York joining Missouri and Alabama to sign onto Reentry 2030. This nationwide initiative aims to reduce recidivism, expand Medicaid access, and improve employment and housing for people returning to their communities from incarceration. Reentry 2030 states have set ambitious goals: Nebraska is committing to 90 percent job access for people returning to their communities, while North Carolina wants to reduce homelessness by 50 percent among people leaving incarceration. Learn more about the initiative in this Jails to Jobs article. 

Franklin County, Ohio, is a Stepping Up Innovator county and Safety and Justice Challenge site that is tackling racial disparities in the justice system through data-driven decision-making and community engagement. Learn how county initiatives like Stepping Towards Justice and their local Reentry Advisory Board are working to reduce racial disparities and improve reentry outcomes in our latest Q&A with the director of the county’s Office of Justice Policy and Programs. 

On July 26, we celebrated the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark legislation has been instrumental in advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. In case you missed it, explore our webinar on addressing ADA obligations and access to care in the criminal justice system and our resource on supporting improved responses to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Are you involved in finding housing solutions for people reentering their communities? The Zero Returns to Homelessness initiative addresses post-incarceration homelessness through innovative reentry housing strategies and collaboration. Applications are now open for the first cohort of state teams, who will receive extensive technical assistance to develop sustainable reentry housing plans and expand housing availability. Don't miss this opportunity to make a real impact! 

A Chicago study found reentry housing services and sustained assistance services reduced recidivism for people leaving incarceration by 33 percent. The program's success was attributed to the presence of reentry navigators who provided consistent help to people leaving incarceration as they sought jobs and housing. The data is clear: robust reentry services reduce recidivism and help lower jail populations. 

Ensuring the safety of law enforcement and mental health professionals who respond to mental health crises is essential yet challenging. This webinar, hosted in partnership with 21st Century Policing, will explore best practices to promote scene safety in co-response to a mental health crisis. It will be followed by an ask-the-expert hour with our presenters. Click here to register! 

July 31, 2024

1:30–3:00 p.m. ET

The Stepping Up initiative is holding listening sessions to gather feedback from counties as part of a strategic planning process. We invite you to play a role in shaping the future of Stepping Up by joining a listening session and sharing information about the types of support and resources that advance your county's efforts to address the needs of people at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice. If you need assistance, please contact Orleny Rojas at orojas@cepp.com.   

August 5, 2024 

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ET

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