Perry County PREP Center showcased for congressional leaders

The Perry County PREP Center was showcased by Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward for congressional leaders at Capitol Hill in Washington during a discussion of the Second Chance Act to reduce recidivism.

Ward was part of a panel where he presented findings on the impact that the center has had. 

“We’re proud to represent Alabama and Governor Kay Ivey by sharing our testimony with key Congressional leaders, including Senator Katie Britt, Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Representative Barry Moore,” Director Ward said. “They have been staunch supporters of our work — especially the award-winning PREP Reentry model, and we are grateful for their dedication and advocacy on behalf of the people of our state.”

A press release from the bureau that no graduates of the PREP program have recidivated or returned to prison. The findings will be included in a book as a case study for reentry to be released as part of the 20th anniversary of the Second Chance Act. 

"The PREP Center encourages incarceration diversion as a sanction response and is an option for justice-involved individuals to receive support services and resolve barriers to successful reintegration," said the press release. "The primary program providers at the PREP Center are GEO Group under the advisement of the Alabama Department of Mental Health, J.F. Ingram State Technical College and Alabama Power."

"The model has been recognized nationally for its innovation – most recently as a finalist for the State Transformation in Action Recognition by the Council of State Governments. The number of Alabamians directly impacted by the Bureau’s reentry work will continue to grow as a new class at the PREP Center graduates on December 20, 2024."