Advocacy at Pioneer

Working to shape a more just society

Public policy plays a critical role in the success of reentry efforts for justice-involved individuals, as it shapes the systems, structures and resources available to support their transition back our communities. And Pioneer is committed to fighting for public policy changes that provide opportunities and hope.

Investing in People, Not Prisons

In Washington alone, there are 18,000 people in state prisons, and an additional 22,000 on probation or parole–and communities of color are overrepresented. At Pioneer Human Services, we’re dedicated to giving these individuals places to live, access to behavioral health care, and stable employment, improving quality of life and breaking the cycle of mass incarceration. 

Why public policy matters for reentry

Reducing Recidivism

  • Policies that promote evidence-based reentry programs, such as job training, substance use disorder treatment, and mental health services, can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
  • Fair parole and probation guidelines help ensure that individuals are not reincarcerated for minor technical violations.

Access to Employment

  • Policies that prevent employers from discriminating against job applicants based on their criminal history, gives justice-involved individuals a fair chance at employment.
  • Tax incentives and grants for businesses hiring individuals with criminal records encourage economic opportunities.

Housing Stability

  • Policies that prohibit housing discrimination based on criminal history ensure that reentering individuals have access to stable housing, a key factor in preventing recidivism.
  • Funding for transitional housing programs provides immediate shelter and support.

Restoration of Rights

  • Policies that restore voting rights, access to professional licenses, and other civil rights empower individuals to reintegrate as fully contributing members of society.

Access to Education and Training

  • Policies that fund education and vocational training in prisons and post-release help individuals gain skills necessary for employment.

Community Investment

  • Policies that invest in community-based reentry services help create local networks of support, including mentorship, counseling, and peer support programs.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

  • Public policy can tackle systemic issues such as racial disparities in the criminal justice system, ensuring equity in reentry processes.
  • Advocacy for fair sentencing laws and decriminalization of minor offenses reduces the number of people entering and re-entering the system.

By addressing these areas, public policy not only supports justice-involved individuals but also strengthens communities, reduces costs associated with incarceration, and promotes public safety.