WHEREAS, Each year, approximately 25,000 individuals return to Philadelphia from federal, state, and local prisons and jails, joining an estimated population of over 200,000 returned citizens in the City; and
WHEREAS, Returning citizens face significant barriers to successful reintegration, including limited access to employment, housing, education, healthcare, and other essential services, contributing to high rates of recidivism; and
WHEREAS, The recidivism rate in Pennsylvania is 64.7% within three years of release, with 75% of those individuals reincarcerated within the first 16 months of release; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services reports that Philadelphia’s County jails have a three-year recidivism rate of 62%, highlighting the urgent need for effective reentry support; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Reentry Coalition is comprised of more than 115 agencies and organizations actively collaborating to reduce recidivism as well as improve reentry outcomes through coordinated services and support; and
WHEREAS, Reduced recidivism allows for community reinvestment and proactive approaches to public safety, resulting in safer and more stable communities; and
WHEREAS, This legislative body formally recognized June as Reentry Awareness Month in 2017 to honor the achievements of returning citizens and promote awareness of the challenges they face; and
WHEREAS, Reentry Awareness Month provides an opportunity for the City to reaffirm its commitment to supporting returning citizens through policies and programs that facilitate successful reintegration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Celebrates
June as Reentry Awareness Month and honoring the achievements of returning citizens in our City.
End