ULGA - Second Chance Program

The Second Chance Act Strengthening Relationships Between Young Fathers, Young Mothers, and Their Children provides funding to support the successful transition of young fathers and mothers as they return to their families and communities from incarceration. This program funds coordinated and comprehensive strategies that incorporate (1) mentoring and transitional reentry services proven to reduce recidivism, (2) effective parenting skills development and parent/child relationship engagement for young fathers or mothers, and (3) private and community service partnerships that promote public safety and support added positive outcomes for young parents and their children.

The Urban League of Greater Atlanta (ULGA) will provide mentoring and transitional services for 100 offenders who are fathers younger than 25 years old and located in a Department of Juvenile Justice Detention Center. The catchment area includes the City of Atlanta and the surrounding Metropolitan Statistical Area, which have long been plagued with high rates of incarceration among young fathers. The program goals will promote responsible parenting by encouraging positive parenting behaviors, promote healthy relationships and foster economic stability. The program objectives include helping young fathers: 1) assess and lower their recidivism risk, 2) increase their economic stability, 3) increase their pro-social supports, and 4) progressively build parenting and family relationship skills. The ULGA proposes a framework consisting of a 4-month Pathways Program which consists of seven phases: 1) Recruitment 2) Enrollment, Assessment, Individual Development 3) Mentor-Mentee matching 4) Release Readiness and Case Management 5) Education, Credential Attainment and Case Management 6) Job Readiness, Employment Placement and Case Management and, 7) Follow-up, Case Management and Retention. CA/NCF