Here to help returning citizens successfully reenter the community.
A Local Reentry Council (LRC) consists of an organized network of individuals and agencies from different disciplines and backgrounds that have a role or significant interest in providing supervision and coordination of innovative responses to the reintegration of offenders/formerly incarcerated individuals at the local level and to use existing program services. The purpose of the Local Reentry Council is to help bring together all stakeholders who could offer assistance to returning citizens.
The primary role of the Local Reentry Council coordinator is to be the “point of contact” in the local reentry council process. This includes serving as lead case manager in providing comprehensive case management services to returning citizens, coordinating the community’s input in the implementation of the North Carolina Reentry Council Comprehensive Plan, providing outreach to and education on the importance of reentry to the public, and recruiting and collaborating with service providers and criminal justice professionals.
In 2010, the NC General Assembly created the Joint Select Committee on Ex-Offender Reintegration into Society. This legislative committee made several recommendations, including the development of local reentry councils which eventually became the basis for SB 141 (SL 2012-168, Section 5(b) and (c)).
This bill reads: “SECTION 5.(c) During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Research and Planning Section of the Department of Public Safety shall work with local communities to form up to 10, but not less than three, local reentry councils to develop comprehensive local reentry plans, to document and maximize the use of existing services, and to supervise and coordinate innovative responses to the reintegration of ex-offenders at the local level. The Section shall also form a State-level advisory group with broad representation of involved State agency leadership, service providers, and program recipients.”
These are good places to start as you work to get your life on track.
New Hanover County Local Reentry Council resource portal helps justice-involved individuals find resources, answers to questions, and lists of supportive services.
