Grants help fund prison re-entry programs

Levittown - The New Jersey attorney general has announced $3.2 million in grants for state and county prisoner re-entry programs to help them return to productive lives in their neighborhoods.

Anne Milgram made the announcement Friday and said the grants are backed by federal economic recovery funds and state money.

The money is earmarked for re-entry programs at county jails, mental health discharge screenings, counseling, and crisis intervention training.

Of the $3.2 million, $1.2 million is being awarded to the Department of Human Services to begin new programs at the Burlington and Monmouth county jails. Some of it will expand existing re-entry services at the Middlesex and Morris county jails, attorney general spokesman David Wald said.

"Helping those transitioning out of prison through employment opportunities, counseling and other needed services can lower recidivism among ex-offenders and increase the safety and security of our neighborhoods," Milgram said. "We refuse to accept the idea that nothing can be done about the revolving door violent criminals often spin through at local jails or prisons. We believe effective and focused programs aimed at breaking that cycle make a difference."

Milgram said $1 million in federal funds will be available to specifically fund county jail-based re-entry strategies. These funds will be distributed on a competitive basis, with $250,000 being the maximum grant awarded.

Some of the funding helps jail detainees with mental illness re-enter their communities through assessments, pre-release planning, and connections to local services.

Contact: gmattar@phillyBurbs.comor 609-871-8036

MORE FROM PHILLYBURBS.COM

PhillyBurbs.com Section Front

Columbia knocks off Bucknell 73-59 Wizards mourn owner Pollin, beat 76ers 108-107 Temple beats Ball State 66-46 Witnesses of Philly shooting say officer was drunk Mays leads Youngstown State over Geneva 88-47 PhillyBurbs.com Section Front   Add PhillyBurbs.com headlines to your news reader: