​Palm Beach County (PBC) recognizes April as Second Chance Month to raise awareness about reentry services offered to people returning from incarceration by creating opportunities for successful transition to the community. The county's Public Safety Department and the Reentry Task Force in collaboration with reentry providers (The Lord's Place, The Reentry Center - Riviera Beach, Integrated Healthcare Systems in Riviera Beach and Choice to Change Inc.) and other criminal justice partners have contributed to making Palm Beach County a national leader in reentry services and reducing recidivism. 

Nationally, about 98% of adults sentenced to prison will return to the community. Locally, more than 1,500 people exit prison, jail or juvenile residential commitment facilities each year. Individuals with a criminal history face stigmas and barriers during their transition to the community, such as obtaining employment, housing, health care and other basic needs. 

Palm Beach County coordinates a voluntary program to assist people with these known obstacles. Reentry case managers are specially trained to motivate change and develop individualized plans that address these issues holistically. Reentry services include case management and assistance with support services such as food and basic needs, transportation, identification, housing and other assistance based on eligibility and assessed needs. 

Second Chance Month recognizes the Second Chance Act, a federal law that supports work to improve reentry systems across the country. Throughout the month, the Reentry Task Force and community partners will host virtual and in person events to bring awareness and support second chances. These include:​ 

• Saturday, April 13, 2024
  Reentry Booth at the West Palm Beach GreenMarket
  100 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, 33401

• ​Saturday, April 27, 2024
  Annual Reentry Youth Summit (middle and high school students only)
  Palm Beach Lakes High School
  505 Shiloh Drive, West Palm Beach, 33407 

For a complete schedule of events, please click link: Second Chance Month event schedule 

The PBC Reentry Task Force's mission is to reintegrate individuals returning from incarceration into the community by creating opportunities that reduce recidivism. The task force's vision is to inspire hope and create inclusion.