Bill > B26-0201

This bill establishes the Returning Citizens Family and Community Reunification Support Program in the District of Columbia to help recently released individuals successfully reintegrate into society. The program will support both recently returned citizens (those who have been incarcerated for at least 365 consecutive days within the past 24 months) and eligible households willing to provide housing. Participating households will receive a monthly stipend of $1,500 per program participant and must provide a non-shared living space of at least 70 square feet for at least 6 months. The Mayor's Office of Returning Citizen Affairs will administer the program, which includes matching eligible households with eligible participants, providing training on reentry challenges, connecting participants to wraparound services like counseling and employment support, and monitoring program outcomes. The Commission on Reentry and Returning Citizen Affairs will oversee the program, conduct annual reviews, and submit reports to the Council detailing the program's impact, challenges, and recommendations. The program aims to reduce recidivism by facilitating stable housing, community connections, and support services for returning citizens, with an emphasis on trauma-informed support, conflict resolution, and addressing employment barriers and social stigmas.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0201