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Justice Department Releases Reentry Coordination Council Report Recommending Evidence-Based Approaches to Reduce Barriers to Successful Reentry
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta opened the floor to begin the Reentry Simulation, describing how the report provides preliminary recommendations to facilitate successful reentry, particularly addressing needs related to housing, food security, health care, education, and employment.
The Reentry Coordination Council was first convened in October 2021, bringing together representatives from a wide range of federal departments. Since then, the Council has held several sessions focused on learning from the expertise and experience of a variety of individuals and organizations involved in several aspects of reentry, culminating in the report.
The goal of bringing together participants from multiple federal agencies under the Reentry Coordination Council offered several opportunities, namely, the chance to break down silos between federal agencies, the time and attention to understand the broad impact of the justice system, and to pursue a comprehensive approach to reducing recidivism and promoting enhanced public safety.
Participants in the Reentry simulation form a long line to obtain an ID, which not only took up allotted time, but also prevented progress in obtaining housing and employment. Through firsthand experience, this simulation aimed to encourage and inform continued collaboration across government to mitigate barriers to reentry.
The discussions included perspectives from individuals and organizations with wide-ranging experience and expertise in promoting successful reentry.
The discussions included perspectives from individuals and organizations with wide-ranging experience and expertise in promoting successful reentry.
The discussions included perspectives from individuals and organizations with wide-ranging experience and expertise in promoting successful reentry.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the release of a report by the Reentry Coordination Council entitled Coordination to Reduce Barriers to Reentry: Lessons Learned from COVID-19 and Beyond. The report summarizes the Council’s interagency collaboration and offers recommendations to Congress to further reduce barriers to successful reentry for those returning from incarceration. In conjunction with the release of the Council’s report and to highlight April as Second Chance Month, the Justice Department’s Office for Access to Justice hosted a Reentry Simulation for senior officials and staff at RCC member agencies. The goal of the Reentry Simulation was to illustrate, through a two-hour interactive experience and facilitated discussions, the significant obstacles faced by individuals returning from incarceration to the community.
Updated January 20, 2025
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