Congressman Cohen on the Second Chance Act of 2007

According to the Justice Department, nearly two-thirds of all offenders that are released from prison end up back in jail within three years. “The days of releasing prisoners back into the community with a bus ticket and a meal voucher must come to an end,” explained Congressman Cohen. “Left without any resources, far too many ex-offenders fall back through the cracks into the criminal underworld.”

The Second Chance Act aims to correct the problem by providing ex-convicts coordinated services and information about the availability of drug treatment, mental health treatment and job training.

In Memphis, incarceration and recidivism rates are on the rise. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the police booked nearly 47,000 people in Shelby County last year, and around 85% of those processed were repeat offenders. ”This bill will help to stop this trend by offering our citizens the assistance that they so desperately need after they have paid their debt to society,” said Congressman Cohen. “The alternative is to accept the status quo, which turns those who are often misguided young people into hardened, life long criminals.”

Congressman Cohen explained how the bill will assist ex-offenders, saying: “This legislation provides for a coordinated strategy for successful re-entry that merges key elements with proven results. First, the legislation mandates pre-release assessments for prisoners so that criminal justice officials can formulate a comprehensive, personal approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as job training and education. Second, the bill will provide for maintaining a stable family environment while the offender is incarcerated and during his transition back into society. Finally, we’ll ensure the availability of effective and adequate programs during and throughout the transition out of incarceration.”

“I was proud to cosponsor this bill,” added Congressman Cohen. “This legislation is vital first step in improving the way that the U.S. rehabilitates criminals, and it will have a very positive effect in the City of Memphis.”

- 30 -

Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817