April is Second Chance Month, a national observance dedicated to building awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society successfully.

Each year, thousands of people return to Ohio communities following incarceration, underscoring the importance of effective reentry programs and public understanding. Second Chance Month shines a light on the barriers returning citizens often face, including challenges related to employment, housing, and community acceptance, while promoting solutions that support successful reintegration.

In support of this mission and in response to recommendations from the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Reentry Task Force Report, the Supreme Court offers a video series addressing stigma faced by returning citizens. The Court also supports reentry efforts statewide through the certification of specialized dockets helping individuals transition back into their communities.

Role of Courts in Reentry
Judges are widely recognized for their role in sentencing, but some also play a critical role in helping individuals successfully reintegrate after incarceration through the use of specialized reentry dockets.

“Reentry programs are essential to help returning citizens become productive members of society,” the report explains. “These programs assist individuals in securing employment, housing, and the skills they need to restore stability to their lives.”

Judge Anthony Donofrio of the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court founded and oversees his court’s reentry docket, which is designed to help participants break the cycles that can lead back to incarceration.

“A lot of times when someone is released from prison, they go right back to the same environment — same people, same places, same triggers. That’s what gets them back into trouble. Reentry dockets are about breaking that cycle,” said Judge Donofrio.

Judge Donofrio assembled a team consisting of community partners, including agencies that provide mental health and addiction treatment, education and employment assistance, and housing support. The team meets weekly with participants to assess individual needs. Planning begins before a participant’s release from prison to ensure they return to the community with a tailored plan for success.

Judge Donofrio encourages other Ohio judges to consider establishing their own reentry dockets in their courts.

“We would be very willing to help in any way to get them started,” Judge Donofrio said.

Video Series Highlights Roles of Courts and Communities in Reentry
The Court released a video series designed to address three key audiences, each with an important role in reentry.

Encouraging Judicial Leadership With Reentry Dockets

The first video is a long-form mini-documentary designed for Ohio judges and court professionals. It highlights the impact of reentry dockets through personal stories, expert insight, and examples of judicial leadership. The video encourages judges to consider reentry dockets as a way to reduce recidivism and strengthen communities, empowering the judiciary to take proactive steps in promoting second chances, ensuring that justice is both fair and forward-thinking.

A 30-Second Public Service Announcement to Reduce Stigma

The second video is a 30-second public service announcement aimed at the business community, landlords, and the general public. Featuring brief but powerful success stories, the PSA challenges the misconceptions about formerly incarcerated individuals and highlights their potential to contribute to Ohio’s workforce and communities. The message promotes empathy, open-mindedness, and collaboration across sectors.

A Message of Hope for the Reentry Population

The final video is directed toward individuals who are currently or previously incarcerated. Centered on real-life stories of successful reentry, the video offers an inspiring narrative of second chances. It offers hope, encouragement, and practical examples of how individuals can rebuild their lives with support and determination.

For more information on reentry, visit the Supreme Court’s website at supremecourt.ohio.gov/Reentry

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