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.
Second Chance Resources
Fair Chance Business Infographics
Fair Chance hiring considers an applicant’s qualifications first, without the stigma of a conviction or arrest record.
Clean Slate Stories
In 2014, we set up a camera and asked people with criminal records to share their stories. This is what they told us.Second Chances News
Upcoming Alamance Reentry Event Will Feature Performers, Impacted Panel Discussion
BURLINGTON, NC (Sept. 11, 2024) — Several organizations will come together this month to host a powerful reentry event featuring performances of stories from the Hidden Voices' project ReVisioning Rural Reentry. The stories, which highlight critical perspectives from rural communities across the state, will be followed by a candid panel discussion between three individuals who returned to Alamance County after incarceration.
Read More Upcoming Alamance Reentry Event Will Feature Performers, Impacted Panel Discussion
SCSJ’s ‘Safe Return’ Report Details Successes of NC Releasing People Early from Prison
DURHAM, N.C. (Sept. 4, 2024) — During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Carolina safely sent thousands of people home early from prison with no negative impact to public safety, according to a new report, “Safe Return,” from Southern Coalition for Social Justice released as part of its Reframing Public Safety Series.
Read More SCSJ’s ‘Safe Return’ Report Details Successes of NC Releasing People Early from Prison