Press Release  Over $5.5 Million Awarded to Reduce Recidivism Among Emerging Adults

Boston — As part of a long-term commitment to improving public safety through evidence-based approaches, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced $5.5 million in grant funds to be distributed to nonprofits working to reduce recidivism among offenders aged 18 to 25.

The Emerging Adults Reentry Initiative Grant Program will provide resources for six nonprofit programs working with pre- and post-release offenders in this emerging adult demographic and one technical assistance partner program.  Each of the nonprofits will work in partnership with Massachusetts Sheriff’s Offices or the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) to provide evidence-based programming designed to improve outcomes for participants, reduce future criminal involvement, and increase community safety.  To ensure that these programs have the capacity to provide these services going forward, each grant recipient will be eligible for four additional years of funding – potentially providing for five years of grant funding.

“Throughout our time in office, we’ve been focused on helping justice-involved individuals re-enter the community so they can lead productive lives and avoid future offenses. These grants will help ensure that opportunities and supports are in place to create better outcomes for individuals and communities,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

“Reducing recidivism requires creating opportunities for returning citizens.  This administration has worked to remove barriers to success through programs and partnerships such as the Emerging Adults Reentry Initiative, which is centered on collaboration between community nonprofits and public safety officials,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.

The grants were awarded through a competitive application process administered by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS). 

In addition to the grants directly supporting reentry programming, OGR conducted a separate application process to fund a Technical Assistance partner.  This partner will work with all six reentry program sites to provide grant management support, evaluation tools, training and other assistance.

“The Emerging Adults Reentry Initiative connects justice-involved young adults with community resources and continuous programming to support positive outcomes and mitigate any long-term negative impacts of justice-system involvement,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.  “This grant program is designed to help young adults make healthy life choices and achieve sustainable change. I’m proud to work with the organizations who provide these vital services.”

“Each of today’s recipients will create transformative opportunities for young returning citizens. We are proud to provide resources that supports their crucial work,” Undersecretary of Criminal Justice Andrew Peck said. “Their commitment to create structures of empowerment and accountability makes the Commonwealth safer and catalyzes enduring personal change.”

“These grants represent a long-term investment in our young people, their families and communities across Massachusetts. Each grant recipient has committed to using evidence-based programming and practices to ensure that emerging adults involved in the criminal legal system have access to meaningful second chances,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

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