GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres on Thursday proclaimed Monday, April 25 to Friday, April 29 as Reentry Week in the CNMI.
Joined by local dignitaries, community members, and representatives from the Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program, the Hinemlu Ohala Para Enteramenti Recovery Center, and local government departments and agencies.
The proclamation reads that nearly all incarcerated individuals will eventually leave prison or jail and return to the community.
Individuals with a criminal history often struggle to find stable housing, employment or education, regain voting rights, and pay for significant debt that arises as a result of their conviction and incarceration.
These barriers can contribute to recidivism which increases victimization and decreases public safety.
Working with formerly incarcerated individuals to create opportunities for them to be productive members of society will benefit their families and our community in many ways, including improving safety and preventing and reducing crime.
In May 2019, the Substance Abuse, Addiction and Rehabilitation, or SAAR, Program established the Offender Advocacy Program as a re-entry and reintegration program that aims to provide readiness for employment, assist and guide to avail of educational programs, provide resource support with homelessness, and access community linkage resources.
This program is committed to capturing individuals struggling to reintegrate, due to the history of Substance Use Disorder, or SUD, and drug-related criminal background.
Last year, the Offender Advocacy Program assisted four mothers to gain their independence through availing themselves of the Northern Marianas Housing Corporation’s Emergency Shelter program, and having gained their own residential dwelling and employment.
Two individuals that have served over 10 years in prison received services at the Offender Advocacy Program and are productive citizens today.
Also last year, the Offender Advocacy program provided housing linkage services for seven individuals; 13 availed themselves of Medicaid; 12 applied for Nutritional Assistance Program; four secured employment; two graduated from NMTI; and six earned their Adult Basic Education through Northern Marianas College.
From 2019 to 2021, the CNMI Office of Probation supervised 584 cases that were working toward reintegration into the community.
Last year, the CNMI Board of Parole served 27 parolees, while six completed and have been discharged to reenter back into society.
The Offender Advocacy Program outlines strategies for supporting and enhancing re-entry initiatives and highlights evidence-based strategies for addressing the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals and their families.
Faith-based organizations, employers, educational institutions, law enforcement, and health care providers, among others, play a critical role in providing support and resources, and are important to a second-chance opportunity and a successful re-entry.
Governor Torres encouraged all citizens of the Commonwealth to recognize the impact that reentry has on preparing people to live safe and productive lives after incarceration.
“By supporting people who are committed to rectifying their mistakes, redefining themselves, and making meaningful contributions to society, we help reduce recidivism and build safer communities,” he said.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, with Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program Special Assistant Yvette R. Sablan, other officials and personnel of HOPE Recovery Center, CNMI government departments and agencies as well as members of the community proclaimed the week of April 25 – 29, 2022 as Reentry Week in the CNMI.
