It’s Time to Get to Work

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Sarah Sweeney
July 1, 2024

Throughout my career so far, recidivism has been a topic I’ve often studied and one that has become a professional passion. Poor and low income people engaged in the criminal and civil commitment systems are enveloped in a revolving door of systematic oppression, and without intervention may lead to increased barriers in housing, employment and service eligibility.  In order to effect change for these vulnerable populations, we must put them at the forefront of social policy research. Public Administrators have a unique perspective and opportunity to implement social change that focuses efforts on proactive measures to combat crime, drug use and untreated mental illness; and provide supportive services to those who need it. One example of this happening is the Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) grant, which is a tool made possible through a partnership between the Department of Justice and Department of Labor, to provide job skills training and focused employment opportunities to incarcerated persons. The connection between the person and opportunity begins before release, which is vital in building a supportive and long lasting journey for someone reentering their community after time behind bars.

PROWD grant funding also provides opportunities for employers to recognize an untapped workforce and builds stability in the economy, labor market and builds confidence for those returning, as well as their family or support network. Taxpayer money goes toward funding various aspects of the prison system, whether it be operations, staffing or program specific funding; and can also better aid implementation of rehabilitative programs to incarcerated individuals. If we look at employment and job skills training as rehabilitation, success rates of remaining in community post incarceration naturally increase as people have the chance to contribute and sustain themselves in a positive way, rather than feeling dependent on others or “the system.” Contracting is an important tool in this implementation, building partnerships between public, private and nonprofit organizations that can lead to increased public safety, economy and supporting individuals returning to society. Successful reentry for incarcerated individuals is highly dependent on the communities to which they are returning, the systems in place to receive them, and the programs delivered that will prepare them. Rehabilitation programs such as employment training, behavioral health care and life skills are vital to successful reentry so that those returning to community are also able to access services available to other community members.

Building systems around people is something that we as public administrators can encourage at the local level, by establishing stakeholder buy in and partnerships between agencies in place to do the work. Healthy communities start from the ground up after building a foundation of trust and mutual gain; and involve not only decision makers, but the human capital already present and engaged in the process. The PROWD program here in Washington State has been awarded $6,256,524 as of 2023, which is an incredible opportunity for those who’ve been otherwise ostracized from traditional pathways in community. The Employment Security Department (ESD) has been charged with implementing this special program in Seattle, and I am excited to see where the program goes. This project is important for the sustainability and growth of work force development planning in Washington State and continued health of our State economy. Taking a chance to see what works and including all voices around the same table is one way that we can make a difference at the local level, and I believe programs like the PROWD grant are ways that we can do that.

Public administration is a field of practice that I am happy to be part of, simply because of the capacity to change systems and develop community. Networking and building coalitions to change the world, one community at a time, is something that can inspire social movement and make our world a better place to be. Over time we have created the tools and awareness necessary to impact a closed system, such as mass incarceration, through policy work and aligning with those most affected. With programs like PROWD and other rehabilitative services offered to those currently and formerly incarcerated, we are giving people a chance to build a sustainable future for themselves and their families. In essence we are creating the American Dream for people most often forgotten by society, offering the proverbial olive branch toward a better life full of opportunity and engaged learning. Public administrators can be the drivers of change, so let’s get back to work and make a difference.

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Author: Sarah Sweeney is a professional social worker and public administrator in Washington State.  She may be contacted at [email protected]

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