In the last two years Kentucky’s recidivism rates have been historically low with close to 70 percent of people released from state custody not being re-incarcerated. Kerry Harvey, a re-entry initiative special advisor, said meaningful employment is a fundamental element of successful reentry.
Governor Andy Beshear has announced more than a dozen new vocational programs at adult correctional facilities across the state to invest in second chances.
“Through this initiative inmates can receive training in a wide variety of vocations, such as commercial vehicle operations, basic construction skills, cosmetology, HVAC, painting and plumbing, as well as others,” said Beshear. “Our re-entry population represents an underutilized pool of workers that can fill our work force need.”
At the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women, a licensed cosmetology school is set to be established and will be the first in the state. Additionally, each of the 14 state prisons has created their own reentry centers.
Cookie Crews, the Department of Corrections Commissioner, advocates that life doesn’t end with a prison sentence and people should have a chance at being successful citizens.
“The vocational programs announced today are an important resource to help individuals in our care gaining the skills needed to become productive taxpaying members of the Commonwealth,” said Crews. “I’ve been with the department for 41 years and we are seeing unprecedented progress in helping individuals successfully build their lives after incarceration.
Kentuckians seeking a second chance after overcoming addiction or leaving incarceration can go to secondchance.ky.gov to find resources to help get a job.