There are more than 46,000 people incarcerated in Arizona. Of those, 92% will remain in Arizona once they have completed their sentences.
Arizona agencies to connect soon-to-be-released offenders and ex-offenders with resources that will help them to live successful, crime-free lives. Helping former inmates to become gainfully employed and providing them with the tools they need to remain and advance in their employment, is key to the Governor's "25/10" initiative goal, which would reduce Arizona's recidivism rate by 25% over the next 10 years.
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)
The DERS program's pre-employment skills activity cycle provides high risk/high needs inmates with pre-employment preparation skills and instills a strength, confidence and motivation, set by example. Combining directed leadership with empathy and detailed instruction, our employment counselors successfully provide direct, mission-focused energy, commitment and hope to their assigned inmate cohort each and every day.
Several initiatives and pilots are being developed and implemented to ensure the overall success of State's Second Chance Center (SCC) program participants. Some examples include the following:
Employment related barriers, such as a lack of legal documentation, are being addressed by focusing on the obtainment of social security cards, driver licenses and birth certificates prior to release
In the Phoenix area, transportation barriers are addressed, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix, whereby bus passes are offered to program graduates at no-cost
Private cab services provide meaningful partnerships by offering solutions to transportation needs
Successful collaborations with community organizations, including, Arouet, Arizona Women's Education and Employment (AWEE), Community Kitchens, Dress for Success, Father Matters, Rescued Not Arrested, etc., have resulted in increased opportunities and resources to maintain SCC participants' post-release success
Provision of Arizona Career Readiness Credentials increase employment prospects for graduates
Access to DES-operated, internet-capable computers which enable program participants to job search more effectively, reduces the amount of time required in finding and responding to a job opening, post-release
Applications and eligibility assessments for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly known as food stamps) prior to release may more quickly mitigate food-related barriers, post-release
Applications for medical benefits prior to release started while in the program so benefits can be received without delay post-release
