Prison System Announces Reentry Summit

Posted by on May 28, 2004

[posted from Neighbors Online Philadelphia]

CONTACT: Bob Eskind, Public Information Officer
Pager: (215) 906-6757
E-mail: robert.eskind@prisons.phila.gov

For Immediate Release: May 19, 2004

Prison System Announces ?Reentry Summit”

The Philadelphia Prison System will host a day-long ?Reentry Summit? on Thursday, June 24, 2004 at Sharon Baptist Church (3955 Conshohocken Avenue). The public is invited to participate in problem-solving workshops about the many issues that inmates face upon release from prison.

The Philadelphia Prison System releases about 70 people a day. Many of them return home, after several months in jail, to face problems in housing, employment, and medical or mental health issues that make it difficult for them to succeed on their own. This is the first, ever, free public forum to discuss these issues in Philadelphia. ?The public must get involved in these issues ? it can make an enormous difference in our lives,? said Prisons Commissioner Leon A. King II, Esq.

?If we can improve the success rate of ex-offenders as they return to our communities, it will not only reduce the crime rate and improve the quality of life in our city, but it would also reduce the cost of the criminal justice system, and improve the lives of hundreds of men and women who need and deserve our help,? said King.

This will be the first time in the city?s history that the Philadelphia Prison System has brought together the major organizations involved in prisoner reentry, to work together as one resource group. Topics to be addressed during the day-long event include behavioral health, homelessness to housing, jobs and employments issues, and the role of faith-based organizations.

Although the Summit is free, participants must pre-register by the deadline of June 4, 2004.

For more information, or to register, call 215 685-7895, or visit http://www.phila.gov/prisons/summit