Second Chance Month: EDPA’s Reentry Initiatives Under Fire

In a shocking turn of events, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has been accused of not doing enough to address the root causes of crime, despite its efforts to reduce recidivism rates through reentry initiatives.

Every April, National Reentry Week and Second Chance Month highlight the importance of safe and successful reintegration into society for the approximately 650,000 people released from prisons in the United States each year. As these annual observances draw to a close, the EDPA is looking back on its reentry initiatives during the month of April and throughout the past year.

Reentry has been an integral part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s mission and a key piece of its community engagement in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for almost two decades. Supporting people throughout their reentry process and raising awareness in the community about that process are part of our comprehensive strategy to help prevent recidivism, combat crime, and address the larger societal issues that contribute to crime.

Key components of our reentry program include the Reentry Simulation Initiative, which has been a game-changer in educating the public about the barriers that returning citizens face. Since the launch of our office’s Reentry Simulation Initiative in April 2023, we have hosted 18 simulations, reaching over 360 people, including law enforcement, college students, high school students, service providers, and incarcerated individuals.

During Second Chance Month 2024, we co-hosted five simulations across the state, in partnership with various organizations, including Elizabethtown College, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Our goal with the Reentry Simulations is to encourage people to think deeply about the American criminal justice system, to change perceptions about returning citizens and the criminal justice system, and to deepen empathy.

Our office is also part of seven reentry coalitions across the state of Pennsylvania, which have the power to facilitate important systems change, positively affect the lives of returning citizens, and keep our communities safe. We recently participated in the Lehigh County Reentry Coalition’s first-ever Celebration of Second Chances, at which the coalition launched its strategic plan and honored individuals who have returned home from prison and made exceptional contributions to their communities.

Furthermore, this month, we hosted a webinar in partnership with DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs called “Bridging Federal Resources to the Community.” This webinar was designed to help community-based organizations and state and local agencies navigate the federal funding landscape, empowering their organizations to access and secure the resources needed to support community initiatives. Numerous reentry coalitions and reentry organizations were invited and participated.

Most importantly, our office continues to play a key role in serving returning citizens in the Eastern District’s federal problem-solving courts, developing resources and assisting participants, so that they have the tools and support they need as they’re returning home. By providing these critical services, we are helping to break the cycle of recidivism and create safer communities for everyone.