WHEREAS,
everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their lives, reach their fullest potential and become productive members of society; and
WHEREAS, an estimated 70 million Americans have a criminal record, and more than 600,000 individuals return to their communities from state and federal prisons each year; and
WHEREAS, individuals returning from prison often struggle to find housing, employment, or regain voting rights as a result of their conviction and incarceration; and
WHEREAS, mass incarceration and failed criminal justice policies have emphasized imprisonment over rehabilitation and prevention for years, resulting in nearly 1 in 4 American adults having a criminal record; and
WHEREAS, the stigma and legal barriers associated with a criminal record results in lost human capital and lost economic output for the United States; and
WHEREAS, reducing barriers contributes to public safety by reducing recidivism, increasing the economic well-being of entire communities, and allowing individuals the opportunity to seek a better life for themselves and their families and to contribute to society in a positive and meaningful way; and
WHEREAS, gaining meaningful employment is one of the most significant predictors of successful reentry and reducing future criminal activity; and
WHEREAS, Delaware’s criminal justice reform efforts have expanded the availability of juvenile and adult expungements, increased judicial discretion in the stacking of sentences and lessened restrictions on professional licensure occupations; and
WHEREAS, many system-impacted individuals are still not aware of the opportunities available from criminal justice reforms; and
WHEREAS, focusing on prevention, reentry, and social support, rather than incarceration, ensures that America is a land of second chances and opportunity for all people; and
WHEREAS, Second Chance Month increases public awareness about the need for closure for those who have paid their debts and provides an opportunity for individuals, employers, congregations, and communities to extend second chances to those with criminal records; and
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2021, President Biden proclaimed April 2021 as Second Chance Month.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED b
y the Senate of the 151
st
General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2021 is hereby recognized as “Second Chance Month” in the State of Delaware.
