From System Gaps to Career Paths: Redesigning Reentry for Economic Mobility

While halfway houses and charitable programs have long served a role in supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration, they often operate with limited resources and inconsistent outcomes. A more effective municipal approach involves integrating reentry support directly into workforce development systems. Cities can collaborate with local employers, workforce boards, and community colleges to build pathways specifically tailored to the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals. This includes industry-recognized certifications, apprenticeships, and job placement programs that are aligned with local labor market needs and designed to address the stigma and employment gaps associated with incarceration.

For example, the City of Philadelphia’s Reentry Workforce Development Initiative offers job readiness training, vocational education, and employer partnerships that lead directly to employment opportunities for returning citizens. The program is embedded within the city’s workforce development framework, enabling better coordination and tracking of outcomes across agencies and service providers¹. Municipal governments can replicate such models by conducting labor market analyses to identify high-demand sectors and working with employers willing to implement fair chance hiring policies, specifically focused on reducing barriers for people with criminal records.

Integrating Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Support Services

Reentry into the workforce is not solely a matter of skills and opportunity. Many formerly incarcerated individuals face significant mental health challenges stemming from incarceration, prior trauma, or substance use disorders. Municipal programs that embed trauma-informed care and behavioral health services into workforce development initiatives are more likely to support long-term stability and employment retention. This requires partnerships with county health departments, behavioral health providers, and community-based organizations trained in culturally responsive care that reflects the unique experiences of those who have been incarcerated.

The Los Angeles County Office of Diversion and Reentry exemplifies this integration. Through its Reentry Intensive Case Management Services, the program connects returning individuals with mental health counseling, housing navigation, and employment support, reducing recidivism and improving employment outcomes². Municipal leaders can support similar models by creating cross-agency teams that include behavioral health professionals as part of workforce reentry case management specifically focused on the post-incarceration population. Funding can be leveraged through federal programs such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and targeted state grants.

Building Financial Capability and Economic Mobility

Financial instability is a significant barrier for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Without access to basic financial services, credit, or savings, returning citizens often face predatory lending, housing instability, and cyclical poverty. Municipal programs should incorporate financial ed