Second Chance Act of 2007 Will Help Stop Criminal Recidivism
Goodwill Industries Congratulates President and Congress for Taking Action
April 9, 2008
Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries International congratulates President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress for taking an important first step toward slowing the rate of criminal recidivism. With the signing of the aptly named Second Chance Act of 2007, the nation will provide comprehensive and coordinated services to help ex-offenders reintegrate and become productive members of society.
“The Second Chance Act is a major move toward solving a national crisis and giving the thousands of Americans the second chance they deserve,” says Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “This new law will help staunch the flow of people back into prisons by giving them both hope and help.”
According to research, of the 650,000 people released from jails and prisons each year, seven out of 10 will commit new crimes within three years. But those who participate in prison education, vocational and work programs have better odds of staying out of jail.
In 2006, about 100 local Goodwill agencies helped more than 54,000 current and former prisoners through a variety of programs, including job readiness, mentoring, housing and job placement and retention services. Together, these services represent an investment in the economic health of communities across the country by ensuring that ex-offenders have the tools they need to become productive and tax-paying citizens.
“Given the current amount spent on corrections, even a modest reduction in the rate of recidivism would yield substantial economic benefits,” says Gibbons. “Today our nation has shown a willingness to take action in a way that will help create long-term employment solutions that can help people on a path to economic independence.”
For free broadcast-quality video, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill.
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell: