Program To Give Repeat Offenders a Second Chance
Paroled criminals who commit minor crimes once they're released from prison may now have a second chance to get back on track with the help of a new program sponsored by the Manhattan district attorney, Robert Morgenthau.
The program, called the Fair Chance Initiative, will allow ex-offenders who commit non-violent misdemeanors that might otherwise land them in jail again to enroll instead in alcohol or drug treatment programs, job training, or other services.
A coordinated effort between the district attorney's office and the New York State Division of Parole Services will funnel eligible parolees to non-profit service providers such as the Doe Fund and the Fortune Society.
Mr. Morgenthau, speaking today at a news conference to announce the roll out of the program, touted the initiative as a money-saver as the city faces leaner times this year. He noted that programs for parolees cost much less than housing them in prisons.
"In the long run, it's going to save the state and the city a lot of money," Mr. Morgenthau said.
The district attorney's office is footing the bill for the program, despite recent cuts in funding. A federal grant that usually provide funds to district attorney's offices for such projects was recently slashed by Congress and President Bush. The mayor's new budget also includes cuts.
Mr. Morgenthau said his office would continue to fight for more money from the federal and local government.
According to Mr. Morgenthau and the director of the Fortune Society, JoAnne Paige, the initiative is the first of its kind.
While other district attorney's have launched initiatives to help parolees adjust once they're released, Ms. Paige said this program differs because it is "targeting people who absolutely would be going to state prison."
Not all parolees who commit non-violent misdemeanors will be brought into the program. Instead, the law enforcement agencies will conduct interviews with parolees of the program to decide who would benefit most.
The district attorney's office said five parolees had already been chosen to participate.
