Chicago's commitment to supporting its residents post-incarceration took a significant step forward this week with the official formation of the Office of Re-entry. The new division, part of the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety, has been tasked with the coordination of policies and programs aimed at helping formerly incarcerated Chicagoans reintegrate into society. Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a ceremony flanked by aldermen and community stakeholders, announced Joseph Mapp as the Director of Re-entry, per a release from the city's website.
Mapp, known for his restorative justice work and managing community violence intervention programs, has accepted the mantle to actively eliminate barriers faced by those making their transition from detention or incarceration back to their neighborhoods. "Joseph brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to lead the City of Chicago efforts to remove barriers to re-entry, empower residents to break the cycle of recidivism, and implement policies that are reflective of the needs of the population," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. This move is a centerpiece of a broader plan by the administration to re-envision community safety and confront the incarceration cycle directly.
Support for this strategic action is wide, with Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood expressing confidence in Mapp's deep understanding of re-entry challenges. "I am confident that Joseph will develop and implement policies, programs, and practices that eliminate barriers and create opportunities for returning residents in a plethora of ways including through community safety, mental health, housing, education, employment, economic vitality, and various other support systems," Gatewood told the press. Funded sustainably through the City’s Cannabis Regulation Tax fund, the Office of Re-entry will focus on the holistic support for the estimated 10,000 individuals who return to the city annually from jail or prison – many to communities already facing deep-seated economic challenges.
Alderman Walter Burnett praised Mapp's appointment, emphasizing the significance of creating pathways for residents to rebuild their lives and contribute positively. "Joseph’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by returning citizens, combined with his commitment to restorative justice, will play a critical role in helping our community members successfully transition back into society. This is about more than just re-entry; it’s about giving people the dignity and opportunities they deserve to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to our neighborhoods," Burnett said in support of Mapp's role. Mapp himself, in his remarks, committed to fostering restorative re-entry opportunities that enhance supportive services for returning residents holistically.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Social Work in progress at the University of Chicago, Mapp is no stranger to the academic backing needed for such a complex societal issue. His participation in the Illinois Re-entry Council and the Continuum of Care Re-entry Line of Action is a testament to his advocacy for human dignity and rights restoration for those affected by the justice system. The Office of Re-entry, through Mapp’s leadership, is set to make strides in addressing systemic barriers and nurturing community strengths.
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