WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker applauded today’s joint announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that the Housing Authority of the City of Camden, in partnership with Rutgers University Law School Reentry Clinic, has been selected to receive $53,464 in funding through the Juvenile Re-entry Assistance Program (JRAP) to address the employment and housing challenges facing justice-involved youth. The Housing Authority and the N.J. Dept. of Education are providing an additional combined $35,825 in matching funds.

“Far too many young people who’ve gotten in trouble with the law find themselves locked out of job, education, and housing opportunities, even after they’ve paid their debt to society,” said Sen. Menendez, Ranking Member of the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee. “I’m pleased that we are providing the tools to these young people to give them a second chance to achieve success and become active members of their community.”

“Empowering young people with records to become productive members of society instead of repeat offenders is not only fiscally sound, it’s the morally responsible thing to do,” said Sen. Booker. "This federal grant will help keep kids out of the adult correctional system, protect their privacy so a youthful mistake can remain just that, and help make it less likely that low-level offenders re-offend. I’ve made it my commitment to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the urgent need to reform our nation’s broken criminal justice system, and I will continue to fight to advance this important cause.”

Today’s announcement is part of $1.75 million in federal grants awarded through JRAP to public housing agencies who have a partnership with a nonprofit legal service organization with experience providing legal services to juveniles.

Having a juvenile or a criminal record can severely limit a person’s ability to seek higher education, find good employment, or secure affordable housing. There are nearly 55,000 individuals under age 21 currently in juvenile justice facilities. These consequences create unnecessary barriers to economic opportunity and productivity.

To help alleviate collateral consequences associated with a juvenile or criminal record, JRAP assists young people up to age 24 residing in public housing, or who would be residing in public housing but for their record, by:

  • Expunging, Sealing, and/or Correcting Juvenile or Adult Records; as permitted by State law;
  • Assisting targeted youth in mitigating/preventing collateral consequences such as, reinstating revoked or suspended drivers’ licenses;
  • Counseling regarding legal rights and obligations in searching for employment;
  • Providing guidance for readmission to school; and
  • Creating or modifying child support orders and other family law services, and more.

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