Bill would provide critical supports for treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness.
NORWALK, CT — Shatterproof has signed on as a supporter of The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024, which would reauthorize critical reentry grant programs from the Second Chance Act of 2008, which was most recently reauthorized as part of the First Step Act in 2018. The bill includes new services and supports for treatment for substance use disorders and mental illness, to improve existing law, as well as career training and housing. The bill was introduced this week by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-III.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.). The bill is also co-sponsored by Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn).
The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 provides the following:
- Enhances addiction treatment services for individuals with substance use disorders, including peer recovery services, case management, and overdose prevention;
- Reauthorizes key grant programs that provide vital services, supports, and resources for people reentering their communities after incarceration;
- Expands allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for individuals reentering the community from prison and jail.
The bill will further address the challenges of the continued substance use disorder and overdose epidemic facing the nation. It is estimated that 65% of the prison population has a substance use disorder, and studies show that people released from prison can be nearly 130 times more likely to overdose within the first two weeks of release. It is vital for communities to be invested in resources around substance use disorder treatment, housing, employment, and other essential reentry services.
“We should encourage pathways for people to rebuild their lives as they return to their communities after incarceration,” said Kevin Roy, chief public policy officer. “By starting the road to recovery while incarcerated and continuing it with support afterward, we can give Americans a second chance for a new life.”
Since its passage 15 years ago, Second Chance has supported states, local governments, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to reduce recidivism through community reentry programs.
It is imperative that Members of Congress sign on to this bipartisan legislation. To view the full bill, visit
https://www.capito.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/second_chance_act_bill_text1.pdf
The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 has the support of 145 organizations across a wide range of sectors, including Shatterproof.
CONTACT:
Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Shatterproof
About Shatterproof
Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof is focused on guiding communities, removing systematic barriers to recovery, mobilizing the country to advocate for change, and ending addiction stigma in the U.S. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, X and YouTube: @ShatterproofHQ or follow them on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org.
