The Addiction Policy Forum joined over 90 organizations in a letter to Congress in support of Second Chance Act funding in the FY25 Commerce Justice Science Appropriations bill. The letters below were shared with the House and Senate Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittees.
The letters urge Congress to continue funding support for this critical piece of legislation and provide individuals, families, and communities nationwide with access to services and resources to help ensure the success of people reentering society after incarceration.
Since the Second Chance Act passed in 2008, over 1,100 grants totaling more than $600 million have been administered to 845 agencies across 49 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, local and Tribal governments, and reentry-focused nonprofit organizations. Between 2009 and 2023, SCA grants impacted more than 442,000 people involved in the criminal justice system who participated in reentry services or parole and probation programs.
With over 600,000 people returning home from prison each year and even more exiting local jails, SCA programs are vital to ensuring public safety and reducing recidivism rates.
Funding the Second Chance Act will extend critical programs to reduce recidivism, invest in communities, and promote public safety by continuing to:
Expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for people reentering their communities from prison and jail and
Enhance addiction treatment services for people with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention.