STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: January 22, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Community Care
EXECUTIVE: Nadia Chandler-Hardy
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the (1) acceptance of a grant from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) (Contract No. 696-TC-20-21-L098) in the amount of $500,000.00 ($250,000.00 for FY 2019-2020 and $250,000.00 for FY 2020-2021) for re-entry services to individuals being released from TDCJ who are returning to the City of Dallas area for the period September 1, 2019 through August 31, 2021; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 in the TDCJ Re-Entry Services Grant Program Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of grant funds from TDCJ in an amount not to exceed $500,000.00 in the TDCJ Re-Entry Services Grant Program Fund; and (4) execution of the Interlocal Agreement with TDCJ and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $500,000.00 - Financing: Texas Department of Criminal Justice Grant Funds
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BACKGROUND
The Re-Entry Services Pilot Program was established during the 86th Texas State Legislative Session. Funding was appropriated within the budget for the TDCJ to enter into an agreement with the City of Dallas to establish and operate a pilot program for re-entry services to individuals released from TDCJ facilities who are returning to the Dallas area.
More than 150,000 individuals were incarcerated in Texas in 2016 and data shows that one in five of Texas inmates released are re-incarcerated within three years of release. Upon release, individuals face a myriad of barriers to the successful re-entry into society. These individuals often face limited employment opportunities, limited access to housing and are often ineligible for public benefits and other types of assistance, making it difficult to find stability and self-sufficiency. The TDCJ Re-Entry Services Grant Program will support programming to help individuals released from TDCJ facilities who are returning to the Dallas area overcome these barriers to successful reintegration by providing grants to local organizations to provide services to support successful re-entry and reintegration.
The City plans to procure services for administration of this program. Upon selection and City Council approval, the City will enter into agreements with non-profit entities, faith-based organizations, community groups and/or the private sector for the provision of services.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On April 27, 2016, City Council authorized the acceptance of a grant from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Grant No. 696-TC-16-17-L063), to develop and operate a pilot program for re-entry services for the period September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2017; and execution of the grant agreement by Resolution No. 16-0635.
City Council will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on January 10, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2019-20 |
FY 2020-21 |
|
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Grant Funds |
$250,000.00 |
$250,000.00 |
|
Total |
$250,000.00 |
$250,000.00 |