Safe Return ProjectSeptember 27 2011
Safe Return Team – community research and organizing by formerly incarcerated Richmond residents
Sponsoring Organizations Pacific Institute: research
training and coordination CCISCO: community organizing
and leadership development Office of Neighborhood Safety:
violence prevention strategies and training
Formerly incarcerated people in Richmond: Are respected and welcomed Are productive and employed Are giving back and restoring community Have healthy and safe living situations Have strong and connected families Recidivism is low and crime is rare
Over 500 one to one conversations with Richmond residents
Designed and carried out a scientific survey of recently returned individuals
Participated in the Greater Richmond Community Reintegration Collaborative
Developed and are helping implement critical changes to policy and programs.
Adapted survey instrument from “Returning Home” studies
Surveys conducted at Richmond Parole and Probation offices, and the New Hope program.
Respondent must be: Released 3-18 months ago At least 18 years old Has a felony and is on probation or parole
101 surveys completed
Majority received support from family, including: emotional, job advice and info, transportation, and financial assistance.
54% received helpful information from probation or parole officers, 46% did not.
Nearly half had no health coverage. 70% said they had wanted to see a doctor but did not because of the cost.
One-stop center with up-to-date information on services
Remove barriers to employment: ban the box
Establish a supportive housing program
Leadership and mutual support among the formerly incarcerated
Safe Return Team:Tamisha WalkerAndres AbarraLaVern VaughnOrlena FoyJeff Rutland
Sponsoring Organizations and Contacts: Pacific Institute
Eli MooreCCISCO
Richard BoydOffice of Neighborhood Safety
Sam VaughnEmail us at: [email protected]