Connecticut House Bill HB05242

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/20
• Refer: 2/20/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning The Risk Of Homelessness For Those Released From The Custody Of The Department Of Correction.

Impact

By implementing measures for identifying housing needs and homelessness risk, HB 05242 seeks to significantly diminish the number of incarcerated individuals who face housing instability post-release. The bill establishes the 'returning home program' aimed at providing housing assistance to those released into supervised community settings. This measure is expected to reduce dependencies on emergency shelters and the correctional system, ultimately promoting community stability and enhancing public safety through effective reentry strategies.

Summary

House Bill 05242 addresses the risk of homelessness for individuals released from the custody of the Department of Correction. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive risk assessment strategy to evaluate the likelihood of recidivism and homelessness for offenders upon their release. This approach aims to identify support programs suited to ensure a smooth transition back into the community. It incorporates assessments that consider an offender's housing history, income, and family support networks, which are essential for creating personalized reentry plans.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill may face controversy; discussions regarding the adequacy of resources and support systems necessary to execute these changes effectively are ongoing. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the sufficiency of partnerships with community-based organizations to deliver impactful services, and whether the integration of this program into existing structures will be achieved without funding shortages. Stakeholders may debate the bill’s effectiveness in truly addressing systemic issues surrounding homelessness and criminal justice reform.