Long term policy goals
CPA advocates for policy changes within the State of Connecticut. We are an active advocacy partner with many organizations who are at the forefront of change. Our long term goals for creating a more restorative judicial system include the following initiatives, working together with the CT Reentry Collaborative:
INCREASED FUNDING FOR REENTRY STATEWIDE
Due to a variety of factors, including the pandemic, the Connecticut incarcerated population has decreased significantly in the past 25 years. This decline in the number of people incarcerated means significant savings for the state.
It is our belief that these savings should be reinvested into community programs that would create opportunities, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety. We must also work to ensure that the trend of decarceration continues even after the COVID-19 pandemic has run its course.
We support establishing state funding for Reentry Welcome Centers similar to those in Hartford, Waterbury, and New Haven. Investment into the community means that returning citizens are more supported upon release and thus less likely to re-offend.
IDENTIFICATIONS
Standardized Identification Requirements
For men and women being released from prison, identification is critical. Too often, returning citizens are released without any form of identification and the burdensome cost of obtaining it is prohibitive. This means that their lives are virtually on hold until they can secure some form of ID.
We propose standardized identification requirements, including a program that ensures all men and women released from DOC have their IDs in hand, whether the one taken from them upon incarceration or a new one that DOC sources for them before they leave. The new legislation may also include a program whereby DOC sends identity information to the DMV or to other benefits organizations to verify individuals’ identity so they do not face barriers in qualifying for their IDs or other benefits.
It is imperative that we codify such standards into law so that the ID process is streamlined and reliable.
Learn how to help
The three ways you can help today are:
Donate, your donation supports CPA’s programs and opperation
Advocate, be an active participant in the process of making change
Educate, have us come to your organization, group or workplace
HEALTH CARE
Health Care Continuity
It is crucial that men and women being released from prison continue to receive the health care services they need. Many research studies have shown that people reentering society have a significantly higher risk of death in the two weeks after their release than the general population in the same period.
We support the state hiring formerly-incarcerated community health workers so they may be embedded in community health centers statewide. These experienced workers would connect recently-incarcerated people to needed health and social services programs. National empirically validated models have shown these programs to be successful. In addition, to eliminate gaps in insurance coverage, CPA is advocating that the state apply for a Medicaid waiver to allow incarcerated people to apply for reinstatement of Medicaid before release.
STATEWIDE REENTRY COORDINATOR
Creation Of A Statewide Reentry Coordinator Position
Statistics show that 95% of incarcerated CT residents will eventually be released from prison or jail. National studies show that around 83% of people will be incarcerated a second time within ten years of discharge from a correctional facility. CPA believes the State of Connecticut should ensure that people have adequate resources when returning home from incarceration to break the cycle of repeated incarceration.
We are advocating that Connecticut provide funding for a statewide reentry coordinator position to coordinate service provision with local governments, service providers, and state agencies.
This person will be responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting the performance of reentry grants, contracts, and initiatives. The coordinator will identify gaps, support initiatives to fill those gaps, and create a seamless transition from prison to the community by working closely with the Department of Correction, local governments, and service providers.
The incumbent will also coordinate statewide efforts amongst the reentry centers, local reentry coordinators, and reentry roundtables to apply for philanthropic and federal grants. This position should be funded by the state but housed in a qualified non-profit organization to ensure independence and autonomy. This position can also serve as a reentry representative on bodies such as the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission and the Connecticut Sentencing Commission.