The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) is embracing a new initiative aimed at transforming the state's approach to reentry programs, as revealed by the department's Director, Ryan Thornell. According to the ADCRR, Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order launching Arizona's Reentry 2030, a program designed to better integrate formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. Thornell voiced his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the anticipated collaboration with community partners to bolster rehabilitation efforts and the role of education, community connections, and employment in promoting public safety.
In speaking to the implications of Reentry 2030 Thornell expressed, "Our Department is excited to welcome Reentry 2030 to Arizona, where we are proud to have some of the most talented and dedicated community partners in the country already hard at work supporting the reimagining of our correctional system and transforming the lives of justice-involved individuals." He also acknowledged assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs and the Council of State Governments (CSG), which will boost the state's strategic efforts to offer the necessary rehabilitative resources, support, and opportunities for individuals looking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Emphasizing the broad-ranging benefits of Reentry 2030, Thornell stated, "Public safety starts with rehabilitating and equipping people while they are still incarcerated, then coming together as a community to empower people on successful second chance journeys as our friends, neighbors, and fellow Arizonans." The ADCRR director views this as a crucial step not just for the safety of those involved in the correctional system, but equally for the state's economic prosperity, aligning with his vision of what he calls "good corrections."
The initiative is a commitment to action and Thornell is looking to engage with all stakeholders to develop actionable plans to meet the Reentry 2030 goalsn stating, "I look forward to convening very soon with all of our partners to map out a plan of action for accomplishing Arizona’s Reentry 2030 goals. Together, we will make a difference in the lives of justice-involved individuals and every Arizonan." The ADCRR encourages individuals seeking more information on the initiative to visit their website and review the Governor's Executive Order detailing the scope and aims of Reentry 2030.
