(WICHITA, Kan.) — A new program hopes to keep people from going back to prison while saving Kansas taxpayers money.
Kansas is the 13th state to launch Out4Life. The program engages the Kansas Department of Corrections, government, business, social service and faith leaders to address challenges faced by people getting out of prison.
Currently Kansas has around 40,000 people under some sort of correctional supervision; they cost taxpayers more than $341 million a year. While 95% of those offenders will eventually be released, 43% will be re-arrested within three years.
The issue is the focus of a conference in Wichita this week. On Monday Governor Sam Brownback said the way to fight the challenges is by engaging non-profit and faith-based organizations.
