Posted on: Thursday, August 15, 2002

Halfway project gets $2 million

Advertiser Staff

The Hawaii Department of Safety has received a $2 million grant to develop innovative re-entry efforts for approximately 225 people released from the Maui Community Correctional Center.

Under the grant, the Department of Public Safety will partner with various service agencies through the Hawaii Re-entry Project to address recidivism, substance abuse and physical and mental health, while providing support in employment, housing, family reunification and counseling.

"This initiative helps to ensure that individuals who are released from prison will have the opportunity to be fully integrated into our community," said U.S. Rep. Patsy Mink.

The initiative involves education, parenting instruction, vocational training, treatment and life skills programs while offenders are still in correctional facilities, services and supervision as they re-enter the community; and networks of agencies and individuals to provide continuing support.