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Program’s goal is to reduce recidivism in Arkansas’ corrections system
LITTLE ROCK, AR - Last Friday, the Arkansas Board of Corrections unanimously approved Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ pilot program to reduce recidivism in Arkansas’ corrections system.
“As Governor, I have been tough on crime, which is why I signed the Protect Act, opened more than 1,500 prison beds in existing facilities, and am working to build a new 3,000-bed prison. But a major goal of incarceration is rehabilitation, and right now, our state isn’t doing enough to prepare inmates for re-entry into society,” said Governor Sanders. “This pilot program will address many of the issues that cause former inmates to recommit, like lack of housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment. Ultimately, we want to expand this program statewide to lower Arkansas’ recidivism rate and prepare inmates for a healthy, well-adjusted life outside prison.”
The pilot program will be targeted at inmates who are at least 6 months from release and will initially include 100 inmates at an existing corrections facility. It will repurpose existing state resources and not require additional funds at this time.
The Governor tasked her Cabinet with taking an all-of-government approach to Arkansas’ recidivism problem and agencies are working collaboratively to assist with this pilot program.
Additional details of the program’s focus are below:
Housing: Work with state agencies, community organizations, and employers to connect inmates with housing opportunities. Modify the terms of supervision for groups of participants working with established employment partners and allow felons to live, work, and ride in transportation together.
Opportunity: Bring state government officials on-site to provide inmates with personal documents, including birth certificates, driver’s licenses, and social security cards. Create a new “Case Manager” position to manage inmate needs on an individual level and facilitate their introductions to Parole Officers and empower sponsors from the faith community to help former inmates connect with churches or study groups upon release. Negotiate telecommunication contracts that offer inmates greater opportunity for family reunification calls and visits.
Programming: Partner with community resources, state agencies, and the faith community to provide evidence-based programming to address substance abuse, mental illness, and other issues. Connect inmates upon their release with veteran groups, trauma groups, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, primary care physicians, and similar programs.
Employment: Collaborate with employers, state agencies, and nonprofits to create on-site training and industry opportunities, allowing inmates to develop skills while still incarcerated, earn a quality income, and prepare for employment upon release.