This is archived content from the U.S. Department of Justice website. The information here may be outdated and links may no longer function. Please contact webmaster@usdoj.gov if you have any questions about the archive site.

Blogs by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch

Blogs by Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch

Blog posts

The Way Forward in Reentry

July 6, 2016
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Cecilia Muñoz
As law enforcement agencies and community organizations team up across the country to reduce crime, expand opportunity and revitalize our neighborhoods, it is increasingly clear that a crucial part of that work is helping people returning from our prisons and jails make a successful transition back to their families and communities. With more than 600,000 individuals leaving state and federal prisons each year and more than 11 million cycling through local jails, reentry is a process with enormous implications for communities across the United States and for all of us who care about making sure that we create opportunity for everyone who is able to contribute. If handled the right way, reentry policy can lead to lower crime, stronger families and more prosperous communities. If handled poorly – or if ignored altogether – a failure to ensure successful reentry can deepen the cycles of poverty, criminality and incarceration that prevent too many of our neighborhoods from reaching their full potential.
Updated March 3, 2017

Remove Roadblocks Faced by Former Prisoners Re-entering Society

April 27, 2016
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Every year, more than 600,000 people return to our communities after serving time in federal and state prisons, and another 11.4 million cycle though local jails. Research shows that economic opportunity, education, strong family bonds and civic engagement are the pillars of a successful return from prison. And in turn, successful re-entries reduce recidivism, improve the safety of our neighborhoods and provide economic benefits for our communities and our country.
Updated March 3, 2017

Department of Justice Celebrates Women’s History Month

March 28, 2016
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Last month, as part of my ongoing community policing tour , I traveled to Miami and Doral, Florida, to learn about some of the innovative work underway there to build trust and strengthen ties between police officers and the residents they serve. But in addition to the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement, civic leaders, and students, my trip to south Florida gave me a chance to visit with Janet Reno, the first woman to lead the Department of Justice and the second-longest serving Attorney General in American history.
Updated March 3, 2017

National Reentry Week: An Essential Part of Our Mission

March 21, 2016
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Justice has taken major steps to make our criminal justice system more fair, more efficient, and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities. An important part of that task is preparing those who have paid their debt to society for substantive opportunities beyond the prison gates, and addressing obstacles to successful reentry that too many returning citizens encounter.
Updated March 3, 2017

Boston: A City of Second Chances

January 15, 2016
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
Joining the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden in the box during the State of the Union address Tuesday night was a woman named Sue Ellen Allen. Sue Ellen served almost seven years in prison for a fraud conviction and struggled through a maze of obstacles to get back on her feet when she was released. Determined to support others in her situation, she founded Gina’s Team, a reentry service center dedicated to providing women a path out of prison and back into society. The center is named for her...
Updated March 3, 2017

Civil Legal Aid Research

June 3, 2015
Courtesy of Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch
On May 20 th , I was pleased to participate in the Justice Department’s Civil Legal Aid Research Workshop, sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, Access to Justice, and the National Science Foundation. At this gathering, passionate advocates and dedicated legal professionals worked to identify the data, methods, and research that can inform our efforts to help low-income Americans acquire the legal aid they need and deserve. Drawn from a range of agencies and backgrounds—including both national and international experts, and federal participants from 25 offices—contributors discussed best practices, successful efforts, and new ideas to benefit the men, women, and children we strive to serve.
Updated March 3, 2017