Prince George’s County celebrates Second Chance Month by showcasing some of its success stories and partnerships. The Returning Citizen Affairs Division provides countywide coordination and oversight for the county’s network of services. This deep commitment to Second Chances reveals itself in the many different ways that the County provides opportunities to returning citizens to get back on their feet and contribute positively to society. Prince George’s County uses a restorative justice approach to address the four pillars of reentry success: 1. Pro-Social Thinking Patterns, 2. Stable Income, 3. Stable Housing and Case Management, and 4. Behavioral Health Partnerships.

Pro-Social Thinking Patterns

So much of our behavior stems from how we have been taught to think about others and ourselves. Prince George’s offers a trauma-informed curriculum to help jail residents learn to identify their anti-social thinking patterns and responses and replace them with new patterns that help them get along better with their families, employers, colleagues, and society at large. Some might argue that a short stay in jail isn’t long enough to change thinking patterns, but this program shows that assumption is flawed. Some residents in this program not only internalize what they learn but have become leaders in spreading these more constructive ways of dealing with conflict and ego to non-participating residents. Recently, one resident took two others to the classroom area of the housing unit and used the materials on the wall postings to diffuse a conflict between the two. This example shows the value the (programmed) residents found in the materials, their mastery of the concepts, and how to apply them. Later the two dueling residents joined the group and described how this new vocabulary and framework allowed them to reconcile. A fight was avoided that could have injured staff and created a further stain on the record of the individuals. We all make poor decisions when “It’s your ego speaking” and need to learn to slow down and think about what we really want to achieve and how best to do that.

Stable Income

The Prince George’s County Detention Center’s opportunities include GED classes. The facility provides a less distracting environment in which to learn, allowing people to achieve a goal that will have a lasting positive impact. While the diploma itself is an aid in obtaining meaningful employment, the skills learned also help people better manage their finances and evaluate decisions in their lives. One proud 42-year-old called his mother to tell her, “Now all of your sons have a high school diploma.” A proud moment for him, the jail, its staff, and for the mother.

This year, the jail became a GED testing center so that more people will be able to, not just study for, but earn their GED.

The jail also offers vocational programming. It hosts a barber styling program and cosmetology school so that people have a trade with which they can support themselves. Landscaping through its Community Service Program and Animal Management programs are also offered. These programs teach specific skills, but they also instill a work ethic, promote a thirst for learning, and give people a sense of accomplishment that might have previously been missing in their lives.

Prince George’s jail also works closely with Employ Prince George’s to ensure that those who need a job upon release can find a welcoming face to help them navigate the challenges of getting and keeping a job. Individuals can easily be discouraged when learning to overcome the barrier of a criminal conviction; so having a knowledgeable, professional navigator who can explain how to address that question and share about tax credits and the federal bonding program available to Second Chance employers is meaningful.

Last year, Employ Prince George’s assisted several returning citizens in obtaining employment.

For those individuals unable to work, the County is able to assist individuals in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or the Temporary Cash Assistance Program.

Stable Housing and Case Management

The County has established partnerships with many Second Chance care coordination and housing providers, including Destiny Power & Purpose, The Denney House, Damascus House, and House of Samaria. Prince George’s County uses Acivilate’s Pokket software to manage referrals and ensure a smooth handoff. These supportive housing providers offer case management services to help individuals get back on their feet and thrive.

Last year, 32 people were supported in finding housing stability through the network.

Behavioral Health Partnerships

Prince George’s County has close partnerships with local behavioral health providers, including Mettle Works and DXT Therapeutic Services, which also work with the Prince George’s County State Attorney’s Office. Addressing the underlying causes of behavioral health challenges helps ensure that individuals don’t find themselves in the same circumstances and with the same reactions that got them into trouble the first time.

Investing in the Future

Prince George’s County State Attorney’s Office also sponsors programs for young people to find a pathway into entrepreneurship and channel their creative energy productively. EverFourward for young men and the National No Entry Network for young women walk alongside young people and provide mentorship and an educational curriculum to equip them for success outside the justice system.

Wrap Around Services

While the four pillars support reentry success, RCAD ensures individuals can access foundational prerequisites, such as identity documents and transportation. A close relationship with the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation smooths the pathway to healthy relationships with supervision staff, who are also aware of all the support the County offers.

Victim Services

A restorative justice approach would be incomplete without considering the consequences of crime on victims. The Human Trafficking Task Force, formed in 2013, is just one example intended to identify and recover trafficking victims and prosecute traffickers. Child, Adult, and Family Services provide resources to assist the elderly or vulnerable adults and to support children who may need care when a parent is incarcerated. There is a special focus on domestic violence survivors. The State Attorney’s Office also includes a Victim and Witness Unit to ensure that victims of crime and witnesses receive comprehensive support and advocacy services as they navigate the prosecution process.

Celebrating Service

Finally, the County wants to celebrate the skilled and caring staff at the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Corrections, RCAD, Employ Prince George’s, Human Services, State Attorney’s Office, and other departments, which together provide returning citizens with a safe environment where they can become valued members of their families and contribute to and participate fully in civil society.

With all the support available, all County residents can be Prince George’s Proud.