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Virginia is doing a great job getting criminals off the street. But that's only part of the formula for public safety. The other part is getting them ready to return to the street. Each year in Virginia, roughly 13,500 inmates are released from prisons into our communities. Our security depends on their making a successful transition and steering clear of criminal behavior.

Far too many wind up returning to prison. Nearly one in three prisoners in Virginia returns to prison within three years of release. This high failure rate not only erodes public safety, but digs deeper into our pockets as it costs Virginia taxpayers more than $24,000 per year to house someone in prison.

Virginia's recidivism rate, like those of other states, can be improved, but not without an effective strategy. Returning prisoners face daunting challenges: finding jobs, housing, transportation, and substance abuse treatment. They need help to get identification cards, learn new technology, and reconnect with their families.

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