WHEREAS, nearly all incarcerated individuals will eventually leave prison or jail and return into our community; and
WHEREAS, individuals with a criminal history often struggle to find stable housing, employment or education, regain voting rights, and pay for significant debt that arises as a result of their conviction and incarceration; and
WHEREAS, these barriers can contribute to recidivism which increases victimization and decreases public safety; and
WHEREAS, working with formerly incarcerated individuals to create opportunities for them to be productive members of society will benefit their families and our community in many ways, including improving safety and preventing and reducing crime; and
WHEREAS, in May 2019, the Substance Abuse, Addiction and Rehabilitation (SAAR) Program established the Offender Advocacy Program as a re-entry and reintegration program that aims to provide readiness for employment, assist and guide to avail of educational programs, provide resource support with homelessness, and access community linkage resources; and
WHEREAS, The Substance Abuse, Addiction and Rehabilitation (SAAR) Program is committed to capturing individuals struggling to reintegrate, due to history of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and drug-related criminal background; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, the Offender Advocacy Program assisted 4 mothers to gain their independence through availing of the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation’s Emergency Shelter program, and having gained their own residential dwelling and employment.
WHEREAS, two (2) individuals that have served over 10 years in prison received services at the Offender Advocacy Program and are productive citizens today; and
WHEREAS, in the year 2021, the Offender Advocacy program provided housing linkage services for seven (7) individuals, 13 availed to Medicaid, 12 for the Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP), four (4) secured Employment, two 2 graduated from NMTI, and six (6) earned their Adult Basic Education (ABE) through the Northern Marianas College (NMC); and
WHEREAS, from 2019 to 2021, The CNMI Office of Probation supervised 584 cases that were working towards reintegration into the community, and;
WHEREAS, in 2021, The CNMI Board of Parole served 27 Parolees, while six (6) completed and have been discharged to reenter back into society, and;
WHEREAS, the Offender Advocacy Program outlines strategies for supporting and enhancing re-entry initiatives and highlight evidence-based strategies for addressing the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals and their families; and
WHEREAS, faith-based organizations, employers, educational institutions, law enforcement, and health care providers, among others, play a critical role in providing support and resources, important to a second-chance opportunity and a successful re-entry;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim April 25 – 29, 2022 as
REENTRY WEEK
I encourage all citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize the impact that Reentry has on preparing people to live safe and productive lives after incarceration. By supporting people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 21st day of April 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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