About this episode

The episode discusses how second chance employment programs can help lower recidivism rates in the U.S. through a conversation with law enforcement officials.

In the United States, recidivism rate, or the likelihood that a criminal re-enters the prison system after being released, is among the highest in the world. The state with the highest reincarceration rate (within 3 years) is Delaware at 55.9 percent . While the lowest is Virginia at 17.9 percent. Earlier this month, Kimberly moderated the 2026 Second Chance Forum at Georgetown University on the importance of second-chance employment programs to lowering recidivism rates in the United States. She sat down with two top law enforcement officials from across the aisle: Delaware Attorney General and Democrat, Kathy Jennings and Pennsylvania Attorney General and Republican, Dave Sunday. Today’s podcast is an edited version of their conversation. To listen to the full panel discussion, click the link below: 2026 Second Chance Forum: Barriers to Breakthroughs — How Second Chances Are Driving Success We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

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