North Carolina's Bold Reentry 2030 Plan: Transforming Lives After Prison

Photo byKQED

North Carolina has developed a comprehensive plan to support people leaving prison, marking the state's most significant reentry initiative to date according to the governor’s office.

With 18,000 individuals exiting state prisons annually, many face challenges such as employment barriers, limited housing, and lack of healthcare access. These challenges make it difficult for them to reintegrate into society successfully.

Governor Roy Cooper's Executive Order No. 303 launched this ambitious effort, leading to the creation of the Joint Reentry Council.

Photo byNorth Carolina Health News

This council, comprising representatives from various state agencies, approved the Reentry 2030 Strategic Plan, which aims to improve economic mobility, healthcare access, housing, and community reintegration for formerly incarcerated people. The plan includes 26 objectives and 133 strategies, with metrics to track progress.

North Carolina's initiative is part of the national Reentry 2030 movement, supported by the Council of State Governments. The state's plan has been praised as a bold and collaborative approach that could serve as a model for other states.

Key components of the plan include expanding Local Reentry Councils, increasing transitional housing, and ensuring that all Medicaid-eligible individuals have access to healthcare upon release.

Despite the challenges, particularly in housing, state leaders are optimistic about achieving their goals by 2030. Progress will be tracked, with a report due to the governor by December 1.

This initiative represents a significant step toward reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives, contributing to safer communities and a more just society.