April is Second Chance Month, and we are proud to partner with Prison Fellowship and many others to promote meaningful second chances for justice-involved people.
CAPPS advocates for policies that prepare people for success before and after they are released from jail and prison and that remove barriers to basic human needs, such as jobs and housing. We recognize the vital leadership role of formerly incarcerated leaders in both the national movement for Second Chances and in ensuring a safe and just Michigan.
In the last year, CAPPS has:
- Organized hearings with testimony about new safety priorities, including reentry support and workforce development for people with previous justice-system involvement;
- Advanced bills to reform parole for low-risk prisoners and remove barriers to employment of formerly incarcerated people, and providing supporting testimony in legislative committees;
- Sponsored events featuring national leaders in the movement for Second Chances, including Danielle Sered, Dr. Heather Ann Thompson, and Seema Sadanandan;
- Successfully opposed harmful Medicaid rules that would create additional barriers to employment for people with conviction histories; and
- Sought to increase support for the work of formerly incarcerated leaders — including those on our staff and Board.
We will continue the fight to make Second Chances a reality. We hope you join us.