Illinois Second Chance

The Second Chance Act of 2007 (Pub. L. 110-199) provides a comprehensive response to the increasing number of people who are released from prison and jail into communities and the subsequent challenges communities face as offenders attempt to reintegrate into society. The Second Chance Act Prisoner Reentry Initiative provides funding to state and local governments and federally recognized Indian tribes for demonstration projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated. Funded demonstration projects will use validated and dynamic assessment tools to determine the risks and needs of offenders. Projects will provide offenders in prisons or jails with all necessary services to facilitate reentry into the community. In addition, the projects will develop procedures to ensure that dangerous felons are not released from prison prematurely and provide services that address treatment needs and protect communities against dangerous offenders Allowable uses of funds to enhance a successful transition include: pre-release assessment and case planning, mentoring, housing, education, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, services to enhance family reunification, job training and readiness, and post-release case management and supervision.

The Illinois Department of Human Services will use their FY10 Second Chance Act: State Demonstration funds to support the "Illinois Second Chance" program. This evidence-based intervention will provide family-focused aftercare to offenders. The target population for this intervention will be young males with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems, who are being released to Cook, Lake, and Will counties. Programming will be intensive and continue from institution to community, it will also be tailored to the needs of the offender. Changing the offender's patterns of thinking and behavior will be key aspects of the program.

CA/NCF