USCCB, Catholic Charities back ‘Second Chance Act’
March 06, 2014
Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, the chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, joined the president of Catholic Charities USA in calling upon Congress to support the Second Chance Act of 2013.
The bill would reauthorize a 2007 program that funds various services for recently released prisoners, including substance abuse treatment and technology training. The Department of Justice has budgeted $115 million for the program this year.
“The Second Chance Act supports much needed programs in government agencies and nonprofit organizations that provide employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, housing, family programming, mentoring, victim support and other services to individuals returning to the community from prison or jail,” said Archbishop Wenski and Father Larry Snyder. “It will not only enhance public safety by providing the necessary resources to address prisoner reentry and recidivism, but promote human dignity by improving the quality of life in communities across the country.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Archbishop Wenski, Catholic Charities’ Father Larry Snyder Urge Congressional Support For Second Chance Act (USCCB)
- Full text of letter (USCCB)
- Summary: S.1690 — 113th Congress (2013-2014) (Congress.gov)
- Justice Dept. budget focuses on criminal justice, prison reform (Washington Post)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: unum -
Mar. 06, 2014 6:37 PM ET USA
The bishop-politicians are at it again! Remember when the Church provided help to the poor and prisoners relying on the talents and resources of the laity led by dedicated clergy and religious that showed them the love of God. I wonder what went wrong to cause the Church to become a lobbying organization for higher taxes that enable a godless government can set up bureaucratic programs that trample on Christ's teaching. The talents of the laity are left sitting around watching TV.
-
Posted by: -
Mar. 06, 2014 8:27 AM ET USA
More Catholic programs federally funded.
