In Virginia 10,000 to 12,000 people are released from state correction facilities each year and return to communities across the Commonwealth. An even greater number of men and women reenter communities from local jails and other ex-offenders return from federal correctional centers. The process of leaving prison and returning to society or "prisoner reentry" has become a significant challenge in Virginia and nationally. Those returning from prison often have few resources of their own and difficulty finding jobs, housing or help. National studies show that approximately two-thirds will likely be rearrested within three years of release.

In an effort to meet the challenges of prisoner reentry effectively, the National Governor's Association (NGA) established the Policy Academy on Prisoner Reentry to help states develop strategies to reduce reincarceration rates by improving pre-and post-release services. Virginia was one of seven states selected to participate in this Policy Academy. To further highlight the importance of reentry in Virginia, in June of 2006 Governor Tim Kaine issued Executive Order 22 creating the "Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy."

The Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy works with law enforcement, community service providers, the judicial system, the faith community, ex-offenders and ex-offenders' families to identify and minimize reentry barriers. For more information, call (800) 777-8293 or e-mail prisoner.reentry@dss.virginia.gov

• Prisoner Reentry Pilot Programs (Web page)
• Prisoner Reentry Program Calendar (Web page)
• Prisoner Reentry Resources (Web page)