At the recent North Carolina Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference, Governor Josh Stein underscored the importance of providing effective support systems for individuals exiting prison. As reported by the Governor's office, Stein praised the collaborative efforts to enhance the reentry process and reduce recidivism, stressing the benefits of enabling former inmates to contribute to society fully. First Lady Anna Stein, a vocal advocate for reentry initiatives, is set to join the Joint Reentry Council in a move that signifies the administration's dedication to the cause.
"We all benefit when every North Carolinian is able to contribute to our state to the best of their ability," Stein said, acknowledging the positive impact of successful reentry on public safety and community strength. The Governor's proposed 2025-2027 budget reflects this commitment, focusing on education programs for the incarcerated and improved compensation for corrections officers to alleviate staffing shortages, as reported by the Governor's press release. These measures are poised to reduce return rates to prison and, consequently, increase overall safety.
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes highlighted the coordinated work of partners at the conference and the department's focus on assisting former inmates with housing, employment, treatment, and transportation. "These are people working daily to help those leaving prison with needs like housing, employment, treatment, transportation and other assistance needed to be successful after incarceration," Dismukes said, emphasizing the collective effort to secure safer communities in North Carolina.
As Attorney General, Stein initiated the State Reentry Council Collaborative and endorsed Reentry 2030, a national push for reformation of reentry practices. His tenure has been marked by active support for reentry strategies geared towards community integration. Facilitating access to health care, including enrollment in Medicaid for eligible individuals pre-exit, has been a pivotal part of the Governor's reentry blueprint. Such investments in health services are intended to further drive down recidivism and bolster community well-being, according to the Governor's press release.
