    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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.

    [[Page 5686]]

    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.
    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.
    DONALD J. TRUMP