The Second Chance Act of 2007

Authors

  • Ashanti Howard

Keywords:

Recidivism, Prison reentry programs, Criminal justice reform

Abstract

Ashanti Howard presents a comprehensive policy analysis of the Second Chance Act (SCA) of 2007, a federal initiative aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals. The article begins by unpacking the concept of “invisible punishments”—such as restrictions on housing, employment, and voting rights—that hinder reintegration and increase the likelihood of reoffending. Howard details the SCA’s bipartisan origins, legislative structure, and its implementation through grant-funded reentry programs. The essay evaluates the effectiveness of these programs across various states, drawing on both successes and failures like Project Greenlight. Howard concludes with thoughtful policy critiques and recommendations, emphasizing the need for smaller, more personalized programs, mandatory participation, and risk-tiered interventions. The piece underscores the vital role of the SCA in combating mass incarceration and promoting public safety through rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Author Biography

Ashanti Howard

Ashanti Howard is a Rutgers-Camden alumna. She
graduated in May 2021 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and
Political Science and a minor in Theater. While in school, she
served in a number of student leadership positions from Vice
Chair of NJPIRG Students to Editor for Black Student
Union. She hopes readers learn something new from her
research and are inspired to create change whenever it is
needed.

Cover of The Undergraduate Review, Spring 2021 edition, from the Honors College at Rutgers University–Camden. The top of the cover features the red Rutgers logo and text reading “Rutgers University–Camden Honors College.” Below is the title “The Undergraduate Review” and subtitle “Spring 2021.” The background image shows a train crossing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Camden to Philadelphia, with the steel blue structure of the bridge framing the scene. The volume and issue number, “Volume 2, Issue 1,” appear in white text in the lower-right corner.

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Published

2025-06-13

How to Cite

Howard, A. (2025). The Second Chance Act of 2007. The Rutgers-Camden Undergraduate Review, 2(1), 11. Retrieved from https://rcur.libraries.rutgers.edu/index.php/rcur/article/view/2210

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2021): The Undergraduate Review

Section

Articles