FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2019

CONTACT:  Erich Weyant|716.796.1649 | erich.weyant@erie.gov

Baskin Wins Unanimous Support for Prisoner Reintegration Efforts

Resolution calls for the Erie County Department of Social Services to accept applications for future assistance from prisoners

A resolution sponsored by Erie County Legislature Majority Leader April N. M. Baskin calling upon the Erie County Department of Social Services to pro-actively fight recidivism, was passed unanimously at yesterday’s session.

“Under the current system, individuals released from incarceration must apply and then wait for up to 45 days to receive financial assistance,” noted Baskin, who represents the 2nd Legislative District. “And because they are initially directed into emergency housing, taxpayers wind up paying more. If we are serious about preventing recidivism and its negative impact on our community, we should enable prisoners to be proactive about obtaining housing and other needed support services prior to being released from incarceration so they are positioned to re-enter society and find gainful employment.” 

Baskin’s resolution asks the County Department of Social services to accept applications for future assistance from incarcerated individuals, unlike current practice.

New YorkStatelaw requires counties to provide emergency housing for homeless individuals, but at a greater cost than the shelter allowance available in a public assistance grant. Although incarcerated individuals cannot receive public assistance, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance allows local Departments of Social Services to accept applications from incarcerated individuals so that public assistance supports are in place upon release from custody, avoiding those additional costs. .

 “Whatever we can do to positively and fully integrate formerly incarcerated residents back into our community is major step in empowering them to becoming productive members of society,” said Baskin.  “Many are indigent and have an immediate need for food, housing and transportation.  This is an opportunity to mainstream offenders by ensuring a support system that will not only discourage recidivism, but save taxpayer dollars, ultimately benefitting everyone.”

Both the New York State Assembly and Senate are currently considering legislation to amend the Social Services Law to direct county Social Services Districts to accept applications for Safety Net Assistance from incarcerated individuals beginning forty-five days before their release dates and in such a way that the interim period between application and release shall count toward the forty-five day waiting period for Safety Net Assistance.

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