Safe Return ProjectSeptember 27 2011

Safe Return Team – community research and organizing by formerly incarcerated Richmond residents

Sponsoring Organizations Pacific Institute: research

training and coordination CCISCO: community organizing

and leadership development Office of Neighborhood Safety:

violence prevention strategies and training

Formerly incarcerated people in Richmond: Are respected and welcomed Are productive and employed Are giving back and restoring community Have healthy and safe living situations Have strong and connected families Recidivism is low and crime is rare

Over 500 one to one conversations with Richmond residents

Designed and carried out a scientific survey of recently returned individuals

Participated in the Greater Richmond Community Reintegration Collaborative

Developed and are helping implement critical changes to policy and programs.

Adapted survey instrument from “Returning Home” studies

Surveys conducted at Richmond Parole and Probation offices, and the New Hope program.

Respondent must be: Released 3-18 months ago At least 18 years old Has a felony and is on probation or parole

101 surveys completed

Majority received support from family, including: emotional, job advice and info, transportation, and financial assistance.

54% received helpful information from probation or parole officers, 46% did not.

Nearly half had no health coverage. 70% said they had wanted to see a doctor but did not because of the cost.

One-stop center with up-to-date information on services

Remove barriers to employment: ban the box

Establish a supportive housing program

Leadership and mutual support among the formerly incarcerated

Safe Return Team:Tamisha WalkerAndres AbarraLaVern VaughnOrlena FoyJeff Rutland

Sponsoring Organizations and Contacts: Pacific Institute

Eli MooreCCISCO

Richard BoydOffice of Neighborhood Safety

Sam VaughnEmail us at: safereturnrichmond@gmail.com