The California BBS on Re-Entry & Recidivism will mark an historic event for the State of California.
The importance of the California BBS is highlighted by a quick glance at the current U.S. Census. In 2000 there were 282,125,000 Americans, 228,548,000 White, 35,818,000 Black, 35,622,000 Hispanic. That translates into a 31% general minority (Black-Brown) population and 69% for the general majority (White) population.
The numbers for the criminal justice system are a complete opposite of the general population. Blacks and Browns make up 66% of those in the criminal justice system while Whites account for 33%.
This disproportionate statistic is the Primary reason for the California BBS. The determinant sentencing, drug treatment, education, vocational training, employment, housing, medical, mental health are key factors which must be addressed to impact re-entry and recidivism rates in this country.
Unless Blacks and Browns come together to jointly work on the serious issue of crime in their communities, crime rates will continue to rise and lower the quality of life for all law abiding citizens.
African-American and Hispanic communities must address this crime element in their own communities and provide job training and other support services, to these returning offenders, with empathy on cultural difference and awareness between Hispanic and African American’s.
There are many similarities these communities share when out of control crime negatively impacts children, schools, property and other valuable assets communities share in common.
The California Black-Brown Summit will bring together both African American and Hispanic Leaders, in a cross section of community support to jointly and positively affect, the negative impact recidivism has in their community and its devastating effects on innocent victims of crime.
A. Goals- To educate relevant stakeholders regarding the disproportionate impact of incarceration and recidivism on communities of color, and to create an ‘action’ agenda for collaborative partnerships that address the barriers faced by African American and Latino offenders who have the desire to successfully reintegrate into their local community;
- To present evidence-based research findings that identifies the challenges faced by ex-felons as they return to the community, primarily, as it relates to employment obstacles;
- To incorporate these findings and research into the program design of culturally-relevant programs and services;
- To educate stakeholders regarding: the impact of the federal Second Chance Act; the state and local government contracting process; foundation and other program funding sources; and strategies and ‘promising practices’ that are being employed in recidivism reduction efforts throughout California;
- Provide a forum to educate and inform Stakeholders regarding recent Prison and Reentry Reform efforts.
- That a core group of Partners will be established to work on the problem of recidivism in the communities, as it relates to, Culturally Relevant approaches and solutions.
- To develop an ongoing working relationship with the California State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- To develop a positive working relationship with Law Enforcement throughout California and the Nation.
- With outreach to potential Partners and other interested parties who will be involved in the planning, development and implementation of reentry programs in the community.
- To educate stakeholders regarding the importance and relevance of culturally competent responses to the incarceration and recidivism reduction strategies, and to provide for, the development of support networks and services that address offenders’ needs accordingly.
- To provide information to potential service providers regarding contracting with state and local governments; how to develop organizational sustainability; and to promote organizational development through partnerships and other strategies.
- To bring those Partners into a work and planning environment that allows for developing strategies and the successful implementation of Reentry Programs in their Community.
- To work with criminal justice experts, to identify assessment tools and other measurement factors that will help identify ex-felons that have the greatest chance for a successful transition back into law abiding society.
- To work with reentry providers, currently serving ex-felons, and invite them to participant under uniform Reentry Program standards and accountability.
The purpose of this group is to support and facilitate the development of the Conference activities, which would include, hosting conference, providing speakers, data, perspectives and input on the issues related to-Black- Brown/Reentry- Recidivism.
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Faith and Character Development
- Will enhance public safety through community partnerships which will support the offender’s Successful transition from custody to community.
- Provide an atmosphere for offender to develop interpersonal communication skills, understanding diversity and participate in the rehabilitative process, by providing an environment for positive change through the promotion of personal accountability and responsibility, integrity, and the building of one’s faith and character.
- Religious Services – services which are primarily worship or religious education, such as Bible related studies.
- Faith Based Programs – address specific criminogenic issues such as cognitive behavior skills, family relationships or substance abuse from a faith perspective.
- Coordinate - community partnerships with inclusion of Faith Based Organizations will enhance existing risk interventions and services that participants will have a spiritual based support factor in adjustment in a society where most are rejected and ignored as to their needs; increase awareness of the reentry needs of offenders, and that recidivism will be reduced due to the offender’s ability to set positive, attainable goals for themselves and then to think and act in a responsible manner in pursuit of those goals.
The Faith and Character Base is one of personal and spiritual growth and development.
Target Audience
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California Black-Brown Summit
The California BBS will have an Open Forum and Dialogue and will feature excellent Workshops relevant to Black-Brown issues, with outstanding Latino and African American Moderators and Panelists, who are experts in their field and have worked to improve social and other life conditions in their respective communities.
