The Addiction Policy Forum has joined the national sign-on letter in support of continued funding of the Second Chance Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
The Second Chance Act has been a cornerstone in enhancing public safety by reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. Since the Second Chance Act was signed into law in 2008, over 1,300 grants have been administered to 871 state, local, U.S. territories, local and Tribal governments, and reentry-focused nonprofit organizations across 49 states and the District of Columbia. More than 442,000 people have benefited from the Second Act Chance grants through participating in reentry services or parole and probation programs. Research shows that three-year reincarceration rates have decreased by 23% nationally since the passage of the Second Chance Act.
With over 600,000 people returning home from prison each year and even more exiting local jails, Second Chance Act 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.
The sign-on letter urges Congress to continue funding these reentry programs, which improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and support successful reintegration by providing access to housing, employment, behavioral health treatment, and other essential services. This will also ensure individuals, families, and communities nationwide have access to services and resources to help people succeed in reentering society after incarceration.
We invite all local, state, and national organizations to show their support by signing on to our national letter that reiterates the importance of funding Second Chance Act programs. The deadline to sign the letter is 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 28th.
To read the letter please click here.
To sign your organization, please click here.