ForThePeople Report 7.5.22 - Flipbook - Page 39
Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing:
California’s Opportunity to Expand Justice and Repair Harm
“Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing is an opportunity to
remedy injustices and reinvest in proven interventions to
ensure a fairer and more just system.”
CHESA BOUDIN
SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT ATTORNEY
ENSURING REENTRY SUCCESS
Prosecutor-Initiated Resentencing identifies incarcerated people who might safely return to their communities. However, the next step lies in ensuring that
those released are also equipped with the right tools
and resources for successful reintegration. Research
shows that specific factors can significantly support a formerly incarcerated person’s return home—
factors including health, housing, skill development,
mentorship, and social networks.177 Unfortunately, many
support services bolstering these factors have faced
increased demand or have been reduced during the
pandemic.178 Reentry resources from housing to employment are crucial for reducing recidivism.
While For The People is not a direct service provider,
we are firmly committed to connecting those who are
released to a network of organizations across the reentry
spectrum. Considering that poverty has been considered
by many the strongest predictor for recidivism,179 FTP
partnered with the Center for Employment Opportunities
(CEO) to provide $2,500 in direct cash assistance to 50
people resentenced by prosecutors across California.180
Through CEO’s Returning Citizens Stimulus Program, existing participants have reported feeling more financially
stable following incarceration.181 CEO’s program additionally includes paid employment opportunities, skills
training, and ongoing career support.
Beyond CEO, For The People works closely with the
Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) to ensure a person is
well-supported as they take their very first steps following their release. ARC’s ride home program—which includes coordinating prison pick-up, first meals, and basic
necessities post-release—is the first touch point in reentry for many. ARC also provides mentorship, counseling,
and support to those reentering their communities.182
Finally, For The People partners and coordinates with
District Attorney’s Offices and their reentry coordinators
to bridge the gap between the formerly incarcerated person, public defender, and support organizations to meet
reintegration needs. FTP will continue to expand its network of reentry service partners, as well as collect data
to identify what successful reentry looks like after PIR.
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