Executive Order 97 (2009)

Continuing the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy

Importance of 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.  In order to improve outcomes, we must ensure that those who are released have been prepared to find and maintain employment, receive treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues, and are able to live with their families or in other stable home environments.  We can and must reduce recidivism and improve the safety and quality of life in those communities to which offenders return. Accordingly, I am taking the following measures.

Continuing the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia, and Sections 2.2-103 and 2.2-104 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby direct the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety to maintain the Virginia Prisoner Reentry Policy Academy, originally establish pursuant to Executive order 22 (2006), which expired December 31, 2008. 

The Secretary of Public Safety, working with such other Cabinet Secretaries as he deems necessary, shall develop a long term strategic plan for achieving the goal of reducing offender recidivism for those released from incarceration.  The plan shall contain measurable objectives, and shall comprehensively address strategies to be employed both while offenders are incarcerated and following their release back into their communities.  Such a plan shall be submitted to me for my approval no later than December 31, 2009, and shall be updated by December 31 of each succeeding year.

The Reentry Policy Academy shall work in close collaboration with other Cabinet Secretaries, executive branch agencies and boards along with local governments, their agencies, and non-profit and faith-based organizations in the development and implementation of this plan, and shall prepare reports which identify initiatives and assess measurable outcomes as may be requested by me or by the General Assembly.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order will remain in effect until December 31, 2010.   

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 22nd day of October 2009.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth