Transitioning to life after incarceration can be difficult. We’ve partnered with the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego County Probation Department, and San Diego Re-entry Roundtable to improve access to the re-entry resources in San Diego County. If you were recently released from prison, we can help you and your family find services and resources to have a successful transition back into San Diego County’s communities and neighborhoods.
Justice-Involved Individuals
San Diego Re-entry Roundtable
With so many resources available to justice-involved individuals, navigating these systems can be overwhelming. It has been proven that the first 72 hours after release from prison or jail is a critical time in which connections to an individual’s most crucial needs must be met in order to ensure their long-term success, safety, and stability.
The San Diego Re-entry Roundtable (SDRR) is comprised of representatives from correctional institutions, law enforcement, faith-based and community-based organizations, governmental agencies, local planning members, universities, community members, formerly incarcerated individuals and concerned citizens. The SDRR provides a forum for everyone involved in the criminal justice system — including former prisoners, their families and the general public – to come together in meaningful dialogue about reentry.
Ban the Box
The Fair Chance Act, also known as “Ban the Box,” is a California law to ensure individuals with conviction records are more fairly considered for jobs. As of January 1, 2018, most California employers are not allowed to ask you about your conviction history on a job application or run a conviction background check on you until they offer you the job.
If you think you have been disqualified from a job opportunity based on your felony conviction, call the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to file a complaint.
CalFresh Eligibility Expansion
If you have a felony drug conviction, and you are complying with your probation or parole, or have completed probation or parole, you may be eligible for CalFresh and/or CalWORKs! As of April 1, 2015, a previous ban on benefits for individuals with drug-related felonies is no longer in effect.
Proposition 47
Proposition 47 reduced simple drug possession and petty theft (under $950) from felonies to misdemeanors with some limited exceptions. This change is retroactive, meaning most people previously convicted of any of these offenses can have them changed to misdemeanors on their record. Petitions must be filed no later than November 4, 2022. To file a petition, contact the San Diego Public Defender by phone at (619) 338-4700 or through their website and ask about Proposition 47.
Justice-Involved Resources
To find more resources, click below and type “Justice Involved” in the search bar.
