Updated Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 7:05 PM EDT

(FBOP) - On April 9, 2008, the Second Chance Act was signed into law. Ten years later, in 2017, April was designated as Second Chance Month. President Biden said in his Proclamation of Second Chance Month 2024, "America was founded on the promise of new beginnings." In the spirit of new beginnings, the Second Chance Act codified into law exactly what it sounds like: a concept that everyone deserves a second chance to make their lives right, even individuals who are, or were, imprisoned.

For perspective, over 70 million Americans have a criminal record and, of those sentenced to prison, over 650,000 leave State and Federal prisons on an annual basis. In the past, it was common for these individuals to continue being justice-involved after their release. However, sixteen years ago, the Second Chance Act aimed to reduce recidivism, increase public safety and improve the outcome and quality of life of individuals reentering society after incarceration. By providing support and resources in four areas: jobs, housing, substance abuse/mental health treatment and families, former adults in custody are more likely to succeed in their life after prison.

More recently, in 2018, the First Step Act was signed reauthorizing and expanding the Second Chance Act, including many of the grant programs that were initially authorized ten years prior along with the FBOP's pilot program to provide early release to elderly prisoners. Additionally, the FBOP was required to develop policies for wardens to enter into recidivism-reducing partnerships with nonprofit and other private organizations, including faith-based and community-based organizations, to deliver programming designed to reduce recidivism.

The Second Chance Act, and its subsequent Reauthorization Act of 2018, affords individuals opportunities to rebuild their lives after serving their sentences, ultimately allowing them to become proud citizens and good neighbors.