The State Reentry Council Collaborative was created by the General Assembly to study the needs of individuals with criminal records as they return from correctional institutions. The goal of the council is to improve the effectiveness of local reentry councils. Members of the council include various governmental agencies, faith-based and community-based nonprofits, and local reentry council intermediary agencies.
On Tuesday, February 6th, the council met to continue its important work. Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein were in attendance. The council is divided into work groups which examine specific needs, including housing, transportation, employment, mental and physical healthcare, educational and vocational training, faith and community based support, advocacy and communications, family reunification and support, and legal assistance. Carolina Justice Policy Center serves on the advocacy and communications workgroup, with the goal of educating the public about the needs of returning citizens and how successful transition is critical to public safety.