Category: Reentry

By Erica Norris, PBI Intern Missouri joined 13 other states and the District of Columbia that have clean slate laws, which automatically seal or expunge certain offenses from an individual’s criminal record and help remove barriers to successful reentry, according to the Clean Slate Initiative. Since Pennsylvania passed the first clean slate law in 2018, advocates have pushed for other states to implement clean slate policies and for federal recognition of clean slate initiatives. On May 15, Missouri took a major step toward expanding second chances by passing bipartisan public safety bill, Senate Bill 1421 (SB1421), with a 110–25 vote.

By Pilar Steward, PBI Intern The cycle of release and return to prison is both costly to governments and negatively impacts individuals, families, and communities. Community stakeholders and governments can help improve reentry outcomes and reduce recidivism rates by investing in reentry programming. Pro bono partners can provide holistic services through civil legal aid to reduce barriers that hinder reintegration. A Look into Reentry Programming The Minnesota Collaborative Justice Project (MNCJP), an initiative of Pro Bono Institute (PBI), works to improve reentry outcomes through reentry planning, access to services, and policy and advocacy. The MNCJP Steering Committee includes representatives of