Reformed Felons Symposium
What is the Reformed Felons Symposium?
The Reformed Felons Symposium is a chance to interact, learn, and engage with community members who learned from the mistakes that led them to prison. This event creates a much needed dialogue between the community at large and those formerly incarcerated and were able to overcame life's challenges. Members of the Judicial System are also a part of this dialogue, and help to cover the many questions from those who lack the experience and clarity.
The most recent overall recidivism rate in PA is 64.7% within three years of release. Of those who recidivated within three years, 75% recidivated within the first 16 months after release. These staggering numbers show that not everyone is able to grow and learn from their past choices. Research shows that children who experience a high number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are more likely to have negative health outcomes, unstable work experiences, and unhealthy relationships and attachments. This reality is why this event is important.
Why Do We Host This Event?
- The recidivism rate in Pennsylvania is currently 64%. Recidivism rates remained relatively stable over the last two decades, with a slight increase in each of the main measures (re-arrest, re-incarceration, overall recidivism) since 2000. The most recent overall recidivism rate is 64.7% within three years of release.
- Of those who recidivated within three years, 75% recidivated within the first 16 months after release. Recidivists currently occupy more than half of PA DOC beds, and make up about $1.2 billion of the department’s annual budget. A 5% reduction in recidivism would save the department approximately $1.9 million in one year.
- When estimating total societal costs of recidivism, this report estimates that recidivism in Pennsylvania leads to an accumulated cost of approximately $3.1 billion per year.
Reports. Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://www.cor.pa.gov/About%20Us/Statistics/Pages/Reports.aspx
Why Is This Event Important?
This event provides an opportunity to:
- Increase connectivity between past offenders and the community by learning about life behind bars.
- Build pro social relationships by learning how to support loved ones before, during, and after prison.
- Create sustainability by discovering applicable steps to take after release.
- Network with others to create a connection with resources to facilitate success.
- Join a community of reformed felons.
- Foster strong family and community support.
- Learn about non-violent problem skills.
2024 Reformed Felons Symposium
2023 Reformed Felons Panel
Give Local York - May 1st & 2nd!
Your donation during this year's Give Local York Campaign will allow us to continue working towards our main goals to:
- Provide Mentorship & Advocacy
- Provide Exposure
- Create a Sustainable Life Plan
We are a 501c3 Nonprofit organization and your donation is tax-deductible.