MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — It was all about recidivism Tuesday at a meeting of the state’s Reentry Task Force. Recidivism is the likelihood that someone formerly incarcerated will commit another offense.
Leaders said more can be done to help these citizens get reacclimated back into society.
“Well, the main challenge I faced by serving 37 years: Technology just passed by me,” said Ronald McKeithen, director of second chances at Alabama Appleseed. “I didn’t know how to work a phone, let alone a tablet.”
McKeithen knows personally what it’s like trying to reenter society. He said it can be hard for people to obtain IDs, pay their fines and find housing after serving their time.
“They’re not really getting all the information they need,” McKeithen said. “It’s like being released from prison, not knowing how to read, and being given a book. That’s why it’s so important that we have organizations that are ready for them.”
That’s why state Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, helped create the Reentry 2030 task force. He said the goal is to cut Alabama’s recidivism rate of 29% in half by the end of the decade.
“When we ensure that all people have their humanity once they serve their time, and they’re able to provide for their families and themselves and be productive citizens,” Stewart said. “That really has a strong impact.”
Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward said that humanity comes down to better mental health treatment, drug treatment programs and job training.
“If we really focus hard, devote resources to them, we can reduce recidivism …,” Ward said. “That’s how you reduce crime. That’s how you reduce the risk to public safety. So that’s our number one mission.”
As required by law, the task force must submit a report to the legislature before the 2030 regular session on its findings. In the meantime, it will continue meeting quarterly.
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