Reentry and Special Needs

Hundreds of thousands of prisoners are released in this country each year, with a disproportionate number returning to the types of low-income, urban neighborhoods in which CSI operates. From a public safety perspective, recidivism rates and new crime committed by former prisoners are statistics that raise community concern. These individuals are also vital parts of family networks and can therefore contribute to community stability as productive and law-abiding members.

CSI is working with community development corporations currently engaged in public safety collaborations to prepare communities, formerly incarcerated people and their families for a more productive reintegration. In addition to providing support for CDC-based demonstration projects, CSI also provides a training curriculum to help CDCs house formerly incarcerated people and their families.

With support from the Family Justice to develop this new tool: "Housing for a Second Chance: Family, Government and Community Partnerships for Housing People Involved in the Criminal Justice System." For information about the product or for a copy of the curriculum, please email us at csi@lisc.org.