WHEREAS, each year, around 10,000 adults and juveniles are released from incarceration into supervision in Virginia; and, reentry success critically depends on returning citizens receiving effective support and on their own individual engagement; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers remain committed to ensuring long-term public safety, reducing statewide recidivism rates, and decreasing violent crime victimization safety in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers understand that most incarcerated individuals will be released back into the community; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers use a multi-prong approach to prioritizing individual service plans, to include validated assessments and participant input, which results in fiscal responsibility and maximization of resources; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers utilize evidence-based practices when addressing substance use disorder, mental health, and criminal thinking; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers recognize strong reentry programs that promote education, vocation, professional certifications, and workforce preparation to increase opportunities for meaningful employment which advances economic development in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, reentry programs produce positive outcomes for returning residents by working to remove barriers to lawful participation in a free society and enhance long-term public safety; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers strengthen communities through collaboration and partnerships with state agencies, community stakeholders, and multi-faith-based organizations to promote successful reentry; and

WHEREAS, criminal justice agencies and reentry service providers prioritize professional development to ensure that their services are aligned with best practices; and

WHEREAS, the Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together Initiative, established by Executive Order 36, contributes to reentry success by addressing employment, benefit enrollment, reentry programming, parenthood, and public safety;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2025, as SECOND CHANCE MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.