Allegheny County Expands Nationally Recognized Reentry Program with New Investments
PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County is building on its nationally recognized reentry efforts with a major expansion of services for individuals preparing to return to the community from the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ). The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Allegheny County Jail have selected eight organizations through a competitive process to implement an enhanced model of reentry services. These new contracts total approximately $3.5 million over two years.
The County’s Reentry Program, once independently studied and recognized by national experts for its strong outcomes—including a 24 percentage point reduction in rearrest—stands as a testament to what effective reentry support can achieve. Like many initiatives, it was significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to service interruptions and a shifting jail population that left many returning individuals without access to proven supports.
Now, Allegheny County DHS is investing in a more comprehensive reentry system that improves upon the pre-pandemic model. Launching this summer, the expanded services will reach more individuals with programming designed to promote mental wellness, build practical skills, and foster healthy community connections. The goal is to reduce recidivism and improve quality of life outcomes for people leaving jail.
“We’ve seen how effective reentry programs can be in reducing recidivism, but the pandemic created major gaps in access and delivery,” said DHS Director Erin Dalton. “With these new investments, and with providers that include leaders who have been incarcerated themselves, we are rebuilding a reentry system that is broader and more responsive to what people need to succeed.”
The new programming includes weekly evidence-based behavioral therapy groups, structured skill-building classes, and activities-based offerings aimed at increasing social engagement and well-being. Participants will have opportunities for parenting classes and job training, and the chance to explore things like yoga and painting while also developing the skills and confidence needed for a successful transition. One provider will also support children and families visiting their loved ones on Saturdays, reinforcing important relationships during incarceration.
All providers will receive training from the Beck Institute, a nationally recognized leader in cognitive behavior therapy, on how to integrate CT-R into their work. CT-R is an evidence-based approach that offers concrete, actionable strategies to promote recovery, resilience, and empowerment—tools that help people avoid future justice involvement and thrive in the community.
“We are excited to collaborate with DHS to implement this new reentry programming,” said ACJ Deputy Warden for Programs and Services, Connie Clark. “We know that these programs will empower the residents of the jail and provide them with the tools they need to be successful as they transition back into the community.”
While much of the programming will continue to take place in classroom settings, a key feature in the expanded model is the addition of activity-based programming delivered directly within the housing units. These in-unit offerings will complement and build on the Discharge and Release Center’s existing services, which include information and referrals, distribution of prescribed medications, clothing, harm reduction supplies, and a bus pass for every individual exiting the jail.
The programs and providers who have been notified of DHS’s intent to award contracts are:
CT-R Course Facilitation
Renewal, Inc.
ReCa Foundation
Job Training and Development Curriculum-based Program
Reimagine Reentry
Mental and Physical Health Curriculum-based Programming
MAYA Organization (Women)
Awaken Pittsburgh (Men)
Relationship Building and Maintenance Curriculum-based Program
Amachi Pittsburgh (Parents)
Prison Society (General)
Activities-based Programming and Library + Resource Coordination
Foundation of HOPE
With these new investments, Allegheny County is highlighting its ongoing efforts to safely reduce the jail population and reaffirming its commitment to public safety, human dignity, and evidence-based solutions that work.
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