WHEREAS, every person is entitled to the inalienable right of being treated with dignity and compassion, and those who have fallen should be given the opportunity to become contributing members of our great nation once again; and
WHEREAS, reentering society after incarceration can be a daunting and difficult transition that presents significant barriers, such as disadvantages finding housing and gainful employment, difficulty rebuilding relationships with family and friends, and hardship associated with the process of fully integrating back into a community; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Justice Statistics recidivism study reports that approximately 81 percent of prisoners age 24 or younger at release were arrested again within five years of their release, compared to 74 percent of those from 25 to 39 years old, and 61 percent of those age 40 or older; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Corrections provides collaborative release planning, including individualized case management, programming, and positive family, community, and peer support services to reduce the likelihood of someone newly released from reoffending; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is committed to a proactive reentry process that supports individuals transitioning out of incarceration because helping former inmates reenter society with valuable skills and available support networks increases public safety and reduces recidivism rates.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim April 2023 as:
Second Chance Month
in Alaska, and encourage Alaskans to commend those who have successfully reentered society and to provide support and resources to former inmates in order to reduce recidivism, limit crime, and improve the safety of our communities.
Dated: April 1, 2023
