JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM

How We Support Second Chances

We focus on helping individuals who have experienced involvement with the criminal legal system to navigate the reentry process with dignity, stability, and hope. Reentry is rarely a straightforward and effortless process, leaving many directly impacted individuals alone on the journey back to their communities. We are committed to a holistic reentry process that ensures individuals are championed at every step of the way and which fights against the lack of outreach, resources, and structural support that presently exists.

For many people, obtaining gainful employment or housing is contingent on their ability to clear their records. Through our Clean Slate initiatives and toolkits, we advocate for an accessible expungement process so that every person has a meaningful and dignified opportunity for a second chance. 

The Process of Reentry

Reentry is seldom a straightforward and effortless process, leaving many formerly incarcerated individuals alone in the journey back to their communities. A lack of outreach, resources, and structural support does not allow individuals to foresee barriers to successful reentry, or make it easy for them to identify solutions.

Southern Coalition for Social Justice is committed to a transparent and robust reentry process that ensures individuals are championed at every step of the way.

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Second Chance Resources

Clean Slate Toolkit Cover

JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM

Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit 2024

This toolkit serves as a guide for most common expunctions in North Carolina. Expunction laws, filing requirements, and forms frequently change. SCSJ will update the Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit periodically.

Your First 48 Toolkit Graphic depicting a man looking solemnly in the distance

JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM

Your First 48 Hours Toolkit

Your First 48 Hours Toolkit is a Durham County resource guide for successful reentry after incarceration.

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JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM

Fair Chance Business Infographics

Fair Chance hiring considers an applicant’s qualifications first, without the stigma of a conviction or arrest record.

"You are not the sum of your worst mistakes."

— Umar Muhammad

Second Chances News

Justice System Reform

Southern Coalition for Social Justice Launches New Toolkit to Help Navigate Expungement Process

For media inquiries:Michelle Rashmrash@rlfcommunications.com336-553-1733 (office)336-823-5501 (mobile) Durham, N.C. — The Southern Coalition for Social Justice has launched a new effort focused on helping individuals with criminal records better navigate the process to have their records expunged. At the center of this outreach is the Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit, a free resource providing a step-by-step…

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