Executive Orders 2006
Executive Order 22 (2006)
Establishing the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy
Importance of the issue
Section 2.2-221.1 of the Code of Virginia directs the Secretary of Public Safety to establish an integrated system for coordinating the planning and provision of offender transitional and reentry services among and between state, local, and nonprofit agencies in order to prepare inmates for successful transition into their communities upon release from incarceration and for improving opportunities for treatment, employment, and housing while on subsequent probation, parole, or post-release supervision.
It is essential that Virginia continue with its efforts of fostering a successful transition of offenders into their communities, and reducing the rates at which they are returned to prison. If we improve their chances of acquiring and maintaining work and housing, it will significantly reduce the probability of offenders returning to a life of crime, which in turn would significantly enhance public safety. Accordingly, I am taking the following measures.
Establishing the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy
By virtue of the authority vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby direct the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety to lead the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy with the aim of promoting reentry strategies for offenders.
The Reentry Academy shall be chaired by the Secretary of Public Safety or his designee. The Academy shall be comprised of the following executive branch representatives:
- Secretary of Commerce & Trade
- Secretary of Education
- Secretary of Health & Human Resources
- Secretary of Public Safety
- Senior Advisor to the Governor for Workforce
- Counselor to the Governor
- Commonwealth Attorney’s Services Council
- Department of Corrections
- Department of Correctional Education
- Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Department of Education
- Department of Health
- Department of Housing & Community Development
- Department of Juvenile Justice
- Department of Medical Assistance Services
- Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Substance Abuse Services
- Department of Planning & Budget
- Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation
- Department of Rehabilitative Services
- Department of Social Services
- Department of Veteran Services
- Virginia Employment Commission
- Virginia Indigent Defense Commission
- Virginia Parole Board
The Reentry Academy shall invite additional participation by the General Assembly, Supreme Court, Law Enforcement, and Community Advocacy Groups. All executive branch agencies of the Commonwealth shall participate in the activities of the Academy upon request. Staff support will be provided by the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety and such other agencies as the Secretary may designate.
The Academy shall have the following responsibilities:
- Provide on-going coordination at the executive level of reentry initiatives across the state;
- Explore programs that will aid with the offender reintegration
- Address policies and practices that impede successful reintegration
- Work collaboratively to implement new policies and procedures
- Submit a status report of actions taken to improve offender transitional and reentry services to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees no later than November 15 of each year.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2008, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 16th day of June 2006.
/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor
Attest:
/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth