3/1 -3/3: Tenn. Out4Life Re-Entry Conf. Focuses on Keeping Released Inmates From Returning to Prison

Government and Community Leaders Examine Ways to Ensure Successful Prisoner Re-Entry and Maximize Public Safety

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 10, 2010—The state of Tennessee supervises some 66,000 former prisoners who are on probation or parole and are now living in our neighborhoods.¹ Another 6,500 Tennessee prisoners will be released this year.¹  Organizers of the Tennessee Out4Life Re-Entry Conference know the key to their successful re-entry to society is the ability to find jobs, locate housing, obtain needed social services such as alcohol and substance abuse treatment, and surround themselves with positive influences and mentors.  Failure in any of these areas could make them part of a discouraging national statistic: More than half of released prisoners will return to prison within three years.²

In cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Correction, Prison Fellowship-the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families-will host an Out4Life Re-Entry Conference March 1-3.  Held at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, the conference will feature speakers including: Gayle Raye, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Correction; Mark Earley, president, Prison Fellowship and former Virginia Attorney General; and James LaRose, non-profit leadership consultant.  Concentrated workshops will delve into topics such as employment for ex-offenders, addiction treatment, public safety, family issues, special needs of women prisoners and the importance of establishing re-entry networks.

Any organization or individual who would like to work together to address practical barriers to prisoner re-entry and offer strategies to reduce prisoner recidivism is invited to attend.  All attendees may participate in a marketplace exhibit center with booths and displays about their re-entry support services and assistance.

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WHO:                   

Prison Fellowship, the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families, in cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Correction

WHAT:                 

Out4Life Re-Entry Conference

WHEN:                 

March 1-3

WHERE:              

Millennium Maxwell House Hotel

Nashville

REGISTER:         

www.Out4Life.com

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¹ Tennessee Department of Correction, 2010

² Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2010

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