Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein joined members of the Governor’s Cabinet and agency leaders in a reentry simulation organized by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. The event was designed to show participants the challenges people face after leaving incarceration.
“Strengthening reentry support in North Carolina is both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Far too often, when people leave incarceration, they find door after door closed to them when we should be opening doors of opportunity for them. Anna and I are grateful for this experience to learn firsthand the struggles that people leaving incarceration face.”
First Lady Anna Stein also addressed the importance of reducing obstacles for those reentering society. “Removing barriers to reintegration for incarcerated people is something I’m proud to work on as a member of the Joint Reentry Council,” she said. “Those barriers include difficulty finding housing and transportation, or getting an ID. Today’s simulation offers us a look into what those barriers are like, so we can better collaborate across all state agencies to make sure our incarcerated population has the best chance at successful reentry for the long term.”
The simulation required each participant to assume a fictional identity and navigate four weeks of post-release life through stations representing various real-world services such as employment offices, social services, housing providers, transportation agencies, and more.
Leslie Dismukes, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, emphasized how important these simulations are for understanding reentry issues: “Reentry simulations give participants a firsthand look at the challenges and difficulties folks face when they leave our custody,” Dismukes said. “This understanding is critical to helping us build and fund better systems and processes for successful reentry into our communities. I’m thankful for the support the Governor, First Lady, and cabinet secretaries have shown toward rehabilitation and reentry efforts of our department and across state government.”
Deputy Secretary George Pettigrew noted that leadership participation helps increase awareness: “It is inspiring to see the Governor, First Lady, and other state leaders taking the time to participate in today’s reentry simulation,” he said. “When more people understand the challenges people face as they transition from incarceration back into the community, support grows for rehabilitation and reentry programs and services.”
North Carolina has taken steps toward improving its approach with initiatives like its Reentry 2030 Strategic Plan.
