Jon Kaplan-PRESS RELEASE-SaferCrossroads-2012
- 1. 1 Media Contact: Jon Kaplan (312) 922-2200 jon.kaplan@saferfoundation.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SAFER FOUNDATION SAYS CLOSING CROSSROADS ADULT TRANSITION CENTER WILL JEOPARDIZE PUBLIC SAFETY, INCREASE COSTS TO TAXPAYERS IN LONG-TERM Reentry services essential to helping men released from prison get jobs, stay out of prison SPRINGFIELD (April 17, 2012) – Safer Foundation today sounded the alarm about Governor Quinn’s proposed fiscal 2013 budget cuts to reentry services that have proven to help thousands of men released from prison transition back to their communities. Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Safer Foundation President and CEO, Diane Williams, asked for continued funding for the operation of Safer Foundation’s Crossroads and North Lawndale Adult Transitions Center. The proposed budget cuts will mean closing the Crossroads Adult Transition Center (ATC) and, ultimately, will risk the safety of Illinois communities, while increasing the amount the State spends on corrections, as many men end up returning to prison. Five other ATCs across Illinois are also at risk of closing due to the budget cuts to the Illinois Department of Corrections. “Our programs prove that reentry services are vital to keeping men out of prison. When these individuals don’t receive the support services they need to re-integrate in a positive way back into their communities, you will see a significant number of them back behind bars in a matter of time,” said Diane Williams, Safer Foundation President and CEO. Crossroads ATC serves Chicago’s North Lawndale and surrounding communities by providing inmates substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, basic skills, GED preparation, job preparedness training, parenting, family reunification and other services. “If Crossroads is forced to shut its doors, the men we serve are left to figure out how to navigate the numerous personal, family, and employment challenges they face on their own. It’s a fact that many won’t be successful and will revert to criminal activities. But with the right kinds of supports in place, they are more likely to stay on a criminal-free track, get a job and stay employed, pay taxes, and become responsible, law-abiding citizens,” warned Williams. -more-
- 2. 2 Closing Crossroads // Add One A recent study conducted by Loyola University bares that fact out: one in five people released from prison who take part in Safer’s reentry programs return to prison compared to one of every two people who don’t receive Safer’s services. While the benefits of keeping people from reoffending starts with enhanced public safety, Williams pointed to the significant fiscal impact as well. “Incarceration is expensive. ATCs are a far less expensive option in the short term -- and reduce the costs to taxpayers for the long term. Reentry programs are designed to rehabilitate inmates, so that when they are released from prison, they stay out of prison. If the State really wants to ‘budget for results,’ then our reentry programs should be a critical element of that budget.” The current estimate for incarceration of one inmate for one year is almost $40,000. In contrast, housing an inmate at an ATC for that same period of time is approximately half that cost. “We understand that all agencies have to make sacrifices during these difficult economic times – and we have,” said Williams, referring to this year’s budget cuts that eliminated Safer’s services to 4,500 inmates at the Sheridan Correctional Center and Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center. “I urge state legislators to avoid eliminating even more reentry services. We need to steer clear of quick fix approaches will actually cost the State much, much more in the long run.” January’s budget cuts resulted in a 21 percent cut to Safer’s state funding and a loss of 59 jobs at the Chicago non-profit. Closing Crossroads would result in an additional loss of 75 jobs at Safer Foundation. One alternative to ATCs being considered by the Illinois Department of Corrections is the use of electronic monitoring equipment (EMs). While Safer supports EMs as a successful tool to keep tabs on released inmates, Williams emphasized that the devices are not replacements for reentry programs. “EMs do not provide counseling…or job training and placement…or preparation support for the GED exam…or substance abuse treatment. Reentry services help these men avoid the pitfalls that often lead them back to prison. EMs can be one part of a comprehensive approach to keep men from repeating a cycle of crime -- but they cannot be the sole approach,” Williams said. Williams concluded by relaying the story of former Crossroads resident, William Hall. William started as a busboy at Five Guys Burger and Fries restaurant in 2009. With the help of Crossroads, in just two years, he became the general manager and is currently training to be a district manager. He has his own apartment, assumed custody of his children, and does motivational speaking to men who are serving time or have served time. -more-
- 3. 3 Closing Crossroads // Add Two “There are more than 500 success stories like William each year from Crossroads alone, and hundreds more from other ATCs across Illinois. Maintaining current funding levels for Crossroads and other ATCs in the proposed FY 2013 IDOC budget ensures that we will see more of these success stories – and that translates into safer communities and a significant cost savings for taxpayers. And, I know that those are two goals for Illinois that we all agree on,” concluded Williams. Safer Foundation will present before the House Appropriations Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, April 18. # # # About Safer Foundation: For more than 40 years, Safer Foundation's mission has focused on reducing recidivism by supporting, through a full spectrum of services, the efforts of people with criminal records to become employed, law-abiding members of the community. For more information on Safer Foundation and the results of its work in reducing recidivism rates and prison costs in Illinois, visit www.saferfoundation.org.