With April having been observed in the United States as Second Chance Month, here’s a look at the Franklin County Reentry program.

The key objectives are to increase awareness about the consequences of criminal convictions and unlock second-chance opportunities for those who have paid their debt to society to become contributing citizens.

The following statement outlines a key program focus: “How do you know where you are going if you don’t know where you are?”

Reentry’s goal is to determine the latter to achieve the former.

Through support and funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Criminal Justice, the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Second Chance Act, Franklin County Reentry has been able to stay alive for 16 years.

The purpose of the Second Chance Act is to reduce recidivism, which is the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend, increase public safety and assist states and communities to address a growing population of inmates returning to communities.

The focus has been placed on four areas — jobs, housing, substance abuse/mental health treatment and families.

Each year, about 650,000 are released from U.S. state and federal prisons, and between 10 and 12 million more are released from local jails.

They struggle with substance abuse, lack of adequate education and job skills and mental-health issues. A large number of them return to prison within three years of their release due to inadequate services and opportunities.

Two-thirds of released inmates are expected to be rearrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years of release.

Christine Hopkins, the Franklin County program’s executive director, explained Reentry’s purpose and operational scope.

“We want to thank those responsible for this act and recognize its importance to incarcerated individuals returning to the community,” she said. “Franklin County Reentry, in collaboration with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and jail, have been successful in returning a large number of productive citizens to a safer community with the help of Second Chance.

“It is my firm belief that extensive effort needs to be made to implement best practices and evidence-based reentry programs in all rural counties of this nation. If we can slow recidivism down in rural areas, we can quit building prisons.”

With April being declared Second Chance Month, these Middle Tennessee Reentry employees offer their perspectives on the program’s benefits in securing a second chance.

Safety by James Cantrell — By providing an incarcerated individual a second chance, it helps them to realize that someone does believe in them, and therefore, is a motivator for them to believe in themselves. This provides an opportunity for them to become a better citizen and reduces crime in many ways. They are working and spending time with their family which keeps them off the streets. In addition, through Second Chance, individuals are attending church, participating in aftercare programs, seeking counseling for their problems and assisting others with recovery of their addiction issues.  Through Second Chance, incarcerated individuals are being released and becoming productive citizens which result in a safer community for everyone.

Family by Jeff Bowling — Second Chance is a major benefit to families by helping to break the cycle of recidivism. When cycles are broken, each generation can provide for themselves and live fulfilling lives. A child of incarcerated individuals is six times more likely to become incarcerated without the existence of a second chance. Family members, particularly children, of incarcerated individuals are the hidden victims. Therefore, it is critical that second chances be provided early in order to help incarcerated individuals learn from their mistakes. Furthermore, families benefit when they have a strong model to imitate and follow.

Community by Dave Van Buskirk — Second Chance Month is a good opportunity to discuss benefits. The first and foremost is the benefit to the family members of our clients which has a ripple effect to the entire community.  On many occasions their release gives them the tools to become the parent our community children deserve.  During their time in reentry, they take part in parenting classes that demonstrate how a parent should raise their children.  Also, through Second Chance, they become a taxpayer versus tax-dependent. This brings revenue to the community and provides income to the family. Our reentry program re-enforces self-worth, pride and the confidence to help them become successful in their second-chance venture.  Lastly, I think it is important to understand, we have all made mistakes in our lives.  Second Chance is all about learning from our mistakes and moving forward.  This will help guide people to lead a productive and meaningful life.

Employment by Christine Hopkins — Second Chance is the major element for incarcerated individuals receiving employment and becoming a contributing member of society. Furthermore, the individual has an opportunity toward having a future without crime. Additionally, second chances offer employers a broader range of employees. When individuals work, they feel a sense of pride in performing a job well done and reaching their potential.

Middle Tennessee Rural Reentry would like to thank the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Criminal Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, the State of Tennessee and the Franklin County government, who have been the funding sources for Franklin County Reentry for the past 16 years.

Contributions to Reentry have resulted in hundreds of individuals reclaiming their lives and becoming a major asset to the community. In addition, Franklin County citizens, employers, community partners, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department have made a huge contribution toward the success of the program, Hopkins said.