US Department of Labor announces $11.7 million in grants to support, help ensure success of adult offenders returning to work

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced grants of $1,170,000 each to 10 organizations to provide training, employment and support services to adult former inmates returning to their communities after serving time in justice facilities.

"The grants announced today are an investment not just in the futures of former inmates, but also in the communities and families to which they are returning," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The purpose of these grants is to provide an employment-centered approach to reintegration. Assistance to be provided includes job training and employment preparation, mentoring and connections to support services such as housing, substance abuse programs and mental health treatment. These grants represent the fourth generation of the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders-Adult program, which previously was called the Prisoner Re-entry Initiative and first funded in 2005.

Each year, approximately 650,000 inmates are released from state and federal prisons, and return to their communities and families. Without assistance to make a successful transition, the majority of former offenders return to criminal activity. In order to successfully reintegrate into their communities, it is essential that these individuals have the skills and support necessary to compete for and obtain jobs.

For more information on the range of Department of Labor employment and training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

Editor's note: A breakdown of the grantees follows this news release.