[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.

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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