April as Second Chance Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

April as Second Chance Month

WHEREAS, thousands of individuals are involved in Virginia's criminal justice system and are provided opportunities for rehabilitation, reflecting the Commonwealth's commitment to structured second-chance pathways that promote public safety; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Corrections maintains one of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation, with a success rate of 82.4 percent, demonstrating the Commonwealth's continued investment in core correctional practices that support successful reentry and strengthen community safety; and

WHEREAS, Virginia's criminal justice and reentry initiatives recognize that evidence-based programs and services create critical pathways for successful reintegration, personal growth, and positive change for individuals returning to their communities; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia invests in trained and qualified staff, expands employment pathways, and strengthens recovery-oriented services for individuals with mental health and substance use needs-including peer recovery support staff-to promote stability and long-term success; and

WHEREAS, agencies across Virginia partner with local governments, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, community stakeholders, and families to provide coordinated support, mentorship, and reunification services that reinforce reintegration and uplift the essential role of families in sustaining successful reentry; and

WHEREAS, a commitment to reentry and second-chance practices results in long-lasting public safety, transformed lives, and stronger communities across the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 2026, as SECOND CHANCE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.