Wayne State University
COM 5500: Journalism & New Media
By Brittany Thomas

Initiated by the signing of the Second Chance Act in 2008, support services for formerly incarcerated individuals have increased two-fold today in the United States. This timeline takes a look at the efforts that kicked off what would be over a decade of increasingly impactful intervention and mentorship for justice-impacted citizens returning to society upon their release and provides insight into what support opportunities may look like in the future. 

November 8, 2024, 3:30 p.m. EST

Over the last 17 years, support for reentry programs in America has skyrocketed. Mobilized by the passing and signing of the Second Chance Act in 2008, the nation has generated tremendous support for programs and initiatives promoting the prosperity of formerly incarcerated individuals upon their release back into society.

Since then, small but mighty support organizations have risen and stewarded insurmountable aid for justice-impacted citizens and their families. These groups understand the most essential needs these individuals have upon returning to society, which include housing, food, stable income, an education, and more. Throughout these 17 years, the financial support reentry programs have received is extraordinary, and institutions like Wayne State University are in-part responsible for generating these funds and providing this support.

Culminating in a look at how educators are providing justice-impacted students with not just the education they need to exceed in society but the food, housing, transportation and career support, this timeline is a vote of confidence and show of appreciation for all that the Second Chance Act has allowed states across the country to accomplish in this regard.

Peruse the abbreviated timeline here.