Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson | Georgia Department of Labor
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson | Georgia Department of Labor
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced the "Walking the Last Mile" program, slated to launch at the Metro Reentry Facility in Downtown Atlanta in Dec. 2023. This program focuses on helping returning citizens from the criminal justice system by offering work skill development and providing employment assistance to reduce recidivism.
"The Walking the Last Mile program will help break the chains of incarceration by equipping participants with the skills and resources necessary for a successful reentry into society. This innovative program is 'where opportunities begin' for those who are seeking to embrace a fresh start and rebuild their lives," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson, according to a press release by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL).
The GDOL press release mentioned that the program prioritizes recognizing individual strengths, life experiences, and challenges faced by returning citizens. An assigned GDOL project manager oversees customized planning that adapts strategies to fit specific needs, capacities, backgrounds, and career goals. The comprehensive method includes thorough assessments that pinpoint strengths, interests, and readiness for reintegration into the workforce.
The agency plans to track participant's employment status at significant intervals according to another GDOL press release. This tracking encompasses job placements post-release, job retention over six months to a year, and reduced recidivism rates which will shape future program expansion.
The GDOL identified an issue in their press release: society's re-entry after incarceration lacks sufficient job opportunities and support. This insufficiency contributes to persistently high recidivism rates both in Georgia and nationwide.
Another facet of this initiative is its complementarity with existing programs such as Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program according to GDOL's press release. It provides tax credits to employers hiring qualified individuals facing employment barriers.
Finally, data from Georgia Department of Corrections reveals that state prisons in Georgia currently house nearly 47,000 felony offenders.
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