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A Sneak Peek: Advice for State Policymakers on Designing Strategies That Improve Employment Outcomes and Increase Public Safety

The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center, with support from the Department of Labor (DOL), today released A Sneak Peek: Advice for State Policymakers on Designing Strategies That Improve Employment Outcomes and Increase Public Safety. This publication provides a preview of an upcoming blueprint, made possible through the support of DOL and private foundations, to promote employment opportunities for people returning from prison or jail and others in neighborhoods that struggle with high crime, poverty, substance abuse, and other challenges.

State Documents

Media Coverage – State

Media Coverage – National

05/11/2009 – The New York Times: “Shrinking Prison Populations“

“Congress does not have to look far for proven programs. New prison sentencing and re-entry policies are already taking hold in several states, thanks in part to work by the Council of State Governments’ prison policy arm, the Justice Center, with the support of the Pew Charitable Trust’s Center on the States.”

05/17/2008 – The New York Times: “New Tack on Straying Parolees Offers a Hand Instead of Cuffs”, by Erik Eckholm

“Today, Kansas is a leader in a spreading national effort to make parole more effective and useful — to reduce violations and reincarcerations as it protects the public and seeks to help more offenders go straight.”

7/2/2007 – The New York Times: “A Much-Needed Second Chance“

“Congress needs to pass the Second Chance Act, which would provide grants, guidance and assistance to states and localities that are developing programs to reintegrate former inmates into their communities.”

6/18/2007 – Stateline.org: “States Seek Alternatives to More Prisons”, by John Gramlich

“With swelling prison populations cutting into state budgets, lawmakers are exploring ways to ease overcrowding beyond building expensive new correctional facilities.”