Navigating the Road to Reentry: A Community Approach

A Special Maryland Public Television Outreach Initiative with the Annie E. Casey Foundation

In 2004, Maryland Public Television (MPT), as part of a larger, national outreach campaign (The Reentry National Media Outreach Campaign) of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, launched a public platform tackling the multi-dimensional issues surrounding prisoner reentry into the community.

"Reentry" is the process of leaving prison or jail and returning to society. Prisoners released on parole, as well as those released with no supervision into the community, experience 'reentry.'

In 2006, Maryland Public Television continues to explore the on-going concerns precipitated by prisoner reentry including recidivism, employment, healthcare, family issues, education and impact on the community at large.

The common denominator in prisoner reentry is that all citizens are affected by it. Nationwide nearly 650,000 individuals will be released from state and federal prisons this year. Over the next two decades it is predicted that that number will increase fourfold. Former inmates come from all different backgrounds, neighborhoods and families. They themselves are children, parents, neighbors, colleagues. We work with people who may have a family member who is preparing to reintegrate into the community.

How can non-violent, formerly incarcerated individuals get work? How can they 'turn a new leaf' and provide for the families, start a new life and remain out of prison? Tune into MPT between now and January 2007 for news, updates, outreach projects and resources that will help everyday citizens understand the issues, as well as, hopefully, guide those who most need the services, in a new direction.

By educating and empowering former inmates to lead productive lives, reentry programs help to break the cycle of criminal activity. MPT aims to foster a greater factual understanding of the challenges that face the growing incarcerated population. MPT will highlight successful reentry programs and facilitate collaborations and coalition-building between those that will help improve the reentry process.

This MPT project is made possible by a generous grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

For more information: outreach@mail.mpt.org,
(410) 581-4034, (800) 223-3678 x4034