LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A recent meeting of the Arkansas Board of Corrections ended with its approval of an anti-recidivism program backed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
Officials said the plan focuses on inmates close to release. It will implement multiple state agencies and community organizations to prepare inmates’ housing, employment, and other needs as they transition to life outside prison.
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The initial program will target inmates who are six months from release. Initially, 100 inmates at each corrections facility will be chosen, officials said.
A spokesperson for the governor said the program’s launch timeline is being planned.
Inmates will be assigned a case manager to facilitate the acquisition of personal documents, such as social security cards, and facilitate introductions to parole officers and telecommunication contracts for inmates working on reuniting with their family.
Officials said the case manager will also empower faith community members to help inmates connect with churches and study groups. Inmates will also be provided with resources for 12-step and similar groups, as well as groups supporting mental health or specific needs, such as veterans or trauma groups.
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Officials said funding will come from existing state resources and additional funds will not be required.
“This pilot program will address many of the issues that cause former inmates to reoffend, like lack of housing, employment, and substance abuse treatment,” Gov. Sanders said. “Ultimately, we want to expand this program statewide to lower Arkansas’ recidivism rate and prepare inmates for a healthy, well-adjusted life outside prison.”
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A 2022 report prepared for the Arkansas House of Representatives shows the state’s overall recidivism rate is 46.1%, representing former inmates who are arrested, convicted or reincarcerated within three years of release. Department of Corrections numbers show recidivism has been dropping from a recent high of 51.1% in 2014.
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