Supporting Second Chances

JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM

Promoting 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. 

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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.

Second Chance Resources

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Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit Pages Spreadouts

Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit

This toolkit serves as a guide for most common expunctions in North Carolina. Expunction laws, filing requirements, and forms frequently change.

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Your First 48 Hours toolkit spread with cover page, first 48 hours timeline, information about health services, and housing services.

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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Ban the Box Community Initiative Guide

A Ban-the-Box ordinance would remove questions on job applications asking whether the applicant has been convicted of a crime or incarcerated.

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Alton Bell

Alton Bell discusses his issues with reentry and how the system could be improved. Alton’s story is part of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice’s Safe Return initiative, which examines North Carolina's decision to send thousands of people home early from prison during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second Chances News

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Justice System Reform

Settlement Reached in Abrams Lawsuit, Securing Important Parole Reforms for People Sentenced as Children 

RALEIGH, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2025) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) has reached a settlement with the North Carolina Parole Commission that will implement key changes to how it conducts parole reviews for people who were sentenced to North Carolina prison as children.   The settlement resolves Abrams v. Jackson, a federal lawsuit brought on…

Read More Settlement Reached in Abrams Lawsuit, Securing Important Parole Reforms for People Sentenced as Children 
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SCSJ Releases Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit Updates, Recommendations for Expanding Second Chances 

DURHAM, N.C. (November 25, 2024) — Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) has released an updated copy of the Umar Muhammad Clean Slate toolkit, which helps individuals determine their expunction relief eligibility and the steps to remove charges and convictions from their records, making it possible for them to economically and socially better their lives. …

Read More SCSJ Releases Umar Muhammad Clean Slate Toolkit Updates, Recommendations for Expanding Second Chances 
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