Homecoming

Prince George’s County Council Re-Entry Advisory Board Helps Formerly Incarcerated Residents Reenter Society

By Kia Lisby

Prince George’s County Council Chair Calvin Hawkins

The truth of the matter is that life happens, and we are all human. We are held accountable for our responsibilities and consequences to actions whether good or bad. Some of the unwise decisions made by members of our community in addition to the falsely accused have resulted in incarceration.

When the opportunity to reenter society is given, having the proper resources and support to adapt and adjust, is important. Prince George’s County Council is helping to ensure that the transitions will be beneficial for recently incarcerated residents.

In 2019 the Prince George’s County Council passed a resolution (CR-49-2019) to establish the Re-Entry Advisory Board. The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board consisting of 21 members, determines, evaluates, and implements a comprehensive Re-Entry Program and re- entry services in the county to service formerly incarcerated persons attempting to acclimate back into society.

When asked what motivated him to spark such an event, County Council Chair Calvin Hawkins said that it’s similar to what motivates him overall:

“I’ve seen the worst [situations] of our society from a practical experience,” Hawkins says. “I’m in a position of power to better influence what I saw.  If I don’t do anything to help, then my presence here would be in vain.”

The Prince George’s County Re-Entry Advisory Board initiatives include:

* Determine, evaluate, assess, and assist county agencies in implementing a comprehensive Re-Entry Program and re-entry services in the county

* Establish progress reports to assess the effectiveness of every county re-entry related service

* Evaluate what resources will be needed to implement a comprehensive Re-Entry Program and re-entry services that clearly define and identify existing and implementable services offered within the county that address but are not limited to, employment, housing, mental health, and faith-based initiatives

* Form direction and provide assistance towards the implementation of programs and services in order to increase access and obtainment of employment, housing, mental health, and faith-based, opportunities for re-entry citizens within the county

* Develop a model program or systematic processes for serving formerly incarcerated persons pre- and post-incarceration release

* Review relevant legislation and report to the County Council its progress respective of its findings.