Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein took part in a reentry simulation organized by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) to better understand the challenges faced by people leaving incarceration. Members of the Governor’s Cabinet and other agency leaders also participated in the event, which was designed to replicate obstacles encountered during reintegration into society.
“Strengthening reentry support in North Carolina is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Far too often, when people leave incarceration, they find door after door closed to them when we should be opening doors of opportunity for them. Anna and I are grateful for this experience to learn firsthand the struggles that people leaving incarceration face.”
First Lady Anna Stein added, “Removing barriers to reintegration for incarcerated people is something I’m proud to work on as a member of the Joint Reentry Council. Those barriers include difficulty finding housing and transportation, or getting an ID. Today’s simulation offers us a look into what those barriers are like, so we can better collaborate across all state agencies to make sure our incarcerated population has the best chance at successful reentry for the long term.”
The simulation involved participants taking on fictional identities as returning citizens navigating four weeks of post-release life. They visited various stations representing real-world services such as employment offices, banks, social service agencies, housing providers, and more.
Leslie Dismukes, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, said: “Reentry simulations give participants a firsthand look at the challenges and difficulties folks face when they leave our custody. This understanding is critical to helping us build and fund better systems and processes for successful reentry into our communities. I’m thankful for the support the Governor, First Lady, and cabinet secretaries have shown toward rehabilitation and reentry efforts of our department and across state government.”
Deputy Secretary George Pettigrew stated: “It is inspiring to see the Governor, First Lady, and other state leaders taking the time to participate in today’s reentry simulation. When more people understand the challenges people face as they transition from incarceration back into the community, support grows for rehabilitation and reentry programs and services.”
North Carolina is pursuing a comprehensive approach through its Reentry 2030 Strategic Plan aimed at improving services related to reentry, rehabilitation, and prison education.
