U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Prisoner Reentry: Addressing the Challenges in Weed and Seed Communities

NCJ Number
222737
Author(s)
Amy L. Solomon; Tobi Palmer; Alvin Atkinson; Joanne Davidson; Lynn Harvey
Date Published
September 2006
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Survey responses are summarized illustrating the various ways that Weed and Seed sites are focusing on prisoner reentry and working with partner organizations to reduce recidivism and create safer, healthier communities.
Abstract
The results of the survey suggest a substantial number of Weed and Seed sites are actively engaged in efforts to improve the odds of successful reentry. Weed and Seed sites are working both inside prisons and in communities to provide case management and assistance with employment, housing, treatment, and health issues. Coalitions are broad-based, involving a range of law enforcement and correctional agencies, service providers, and faith-based organizations. As a result, reentry strategies largely incorporate both the “weeding” and “seeding” aspects inherent to the Weed and Seed philosophy. In late 2005, the vast majority of Weed and Seed sites (a total of 308) were surveyed about their involvement in prisoner reentry efforts. About 40 percent of the reentry programs target all ex-offenders returning to the Weed and Seed area. This report summarizes the responses from a federally supported survey conducted by the Department of Justice’s Community Capacity Development Office, the Center for Community Safety of Winston-Salem State University, and the Urban Institute, illustrating the various ways that Weed and Seed Sites are focusing on prisoner reentry and working with partner organizations to reduce recidivism and create safer, healthier communities. Tables, notes, references