[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 4, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 14563-14564]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07029]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 65 / Wednesday, April 4, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 14563]]


                Proclamation 9718 of March 30, 2018

                
Second Chance Month, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During Second Chance Month, our Nation emphasizes the 
                need to prevent crime on our streets, to respect the 
                rule of law by prosecuting individuals who break the 
                law, and to provide opportunities for people with 
                criminal records to earn an honest second chance. 
                Affording those who have been held accountable for 
                their crimes an opportunity to become contributing 
                members of society is a critical element of criminal 
                justice that can reduce our crime rates and prison 
                populations, decrease burdens to the American taxpayer, 
                and make America safer.

                According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, each 
                year, approximately 650,000 individuals complete prison 
                sentences and rejoin society. Unfortunately, two-thirds 
                of these individuals are re-arrested within 3 years of 
                their release. We must do more--and use all the tools 
                at our disposal--to break this vicious cycle of crime 
                and diminish the rate of recidivism.

                For the millions of American citizens with criminal 
                records, the keys to successful re-entry are becoming 
                employable and securing employment. Beyond the income 
                earned from a steady paycheck, gainful employment 
                teaches responsibility and commitment and affirms human 
                dignity. As a Nation, we are stronger when more 
                individuals have stable jobs that allow them to provide 
                for both themselves and their loved ones.

                I am committed to advancing reform efforts to prevent 
                crime, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism. I 
                expressed this commitment in my 2018 State of the Union 
                Address and reinforced it by signing an Executive Order 
                to reinvigorate the ``Federal Interagency Council on 
                Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry.'' In the spirit 
                of these efforts, I call on Federal, State, and local 
                prison systems to implement evidence-based programs 
                that will provide prisoners with the skills and 
                preparation they need to succeed in society. This 
                includes programs focused on mentorship and treatment 
                for drug addiction and mental health issues, in 
                addition to job training.

                This month, we celebrate those who have exited the 
                prison system and successfully reentered society. We 
                encourage expanded opportunities for those who have 
                worked to overcome bad decisions earlier in life and 
                emphasize our belief in second chances for all who are 
                willing to work hard to turn their lives around.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 2018 as Second 
                Chance Month. I call on all Americans to commemorate 
                this month with events and activities that raise public 
                awareness about preventing crime and providing those 
                who have completed their sentences an opportunity for 
                an honest second chance.

[[Page 14564]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-07029
Filed 4-3-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P