About Prisoner Reentry Programs in Virginia

10,000 to 12,000 people are released from Virginia's correctional facilities and returned to communities each year. An even greater number reenter communities from local jails and federal correctional centers. The process of leaving prison and returning to society has become a significant challenge to the state and the nation. Persons released often have few resources and difficulty finding jobs, housing or help. National studies show that approximately two-thirds will be arrested again within three years of release.

In an effort to meet the challenges of prisoner reentry, the Virginia Reentry Policy Academy was established. Its purpose is to help integrate and and plan reentry services provided by Virginia's state, local and community based agencies. The Academy also recommends reentry policy and program improvements.

Through the work of the Academy, the Virginia Community Reentry Program (VCRP) was created. This is a community based reentry approach that works with local law enforcement, community service providers, the judicial system, the faith community, ex-offenders and ex-offenders' families to identify and minimize reentry barriers. Local reentry councils composed of representatives from public agencies, businesses, non-profits and faith-based organizations develop community reentry plans. Council representatives then coordinate with jails, correctional centers and persons incarcerated to assist those leaving prison or jail in developing and carrying out reentry plans.

Community based reentry is completely voluntary. These programs, along with other existing reentry programs and projects, help to strengthen families and improve public safety.

Virginia Community Reentry Program (VCRP) Programs

General Information

• Realistic Child Support Reentry Policies (PDF)
• Reentry in Virginia (PDF)
• Virginia Community Reentry Program (PDF)

Program Specific Information

 Charlottesville City & Albemarle County

• Advisory Council (PDF)

 Culpeper County

• Culpeper Advisory Council (PDF)

 Greensville County & Emporia City

• Reentry Special Project (PDF)

 King George County & Planning District 16

• King George Advisory Council (PDF)

 Norfolk City

• Advisory Council (PDF)

 Richmond City

• Richmond City Advisory Council (PDF)

 Southwest Virginia

• Advisory Council (PDF)

Learn More

• Prisoner Reentry Program Calendar (Web page)
• Prisoner Reentry Reports & Studies (Web page)
• Prisoner Reentry Resources (Web page)

Contact Us

For more information, call 800-777-8293 or e-mail prisoner.reentry@dss.virginia.gov.