Youngkin unveils new initiative to reduce recidivism, help released inmates re-enter society

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia is renewing its effort to help inmates released from prison become productive members of society and stay out of jail.

On Thursday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) announced he’s launching a new initiative to help returning citizens successfully reintegrate into society. He’s calling it “Stand Tall, Stay Strong, Succeed Together.”

“Today, we are talking about incredibly important men and women,” Youngkin said. “Men and women who have served their time.”

To reduce recidivism or rates of re-offending, Youngkin says state government, along with non-profits and others, will work together to ensure returning citizens can find jobs, housing, healthcare and mental health treatment.

Youngkin says the state launched a pilot for the initiative last April and to date, it has helped 3,000 returning Virginians find a job and 7,000 access healthcare.

“When we succeed, not only do these returning citizens succeed individually, but the benefits to family, to communities, to our commonwealth, are immeasurable,” said Youngkin.

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