Overview 

Prioritizing successful re-entry is not only a moral imperative, but also as a crucial strategy to sustainably reduce crime and violence. MONSE works closely with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), the Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP), other City agencies, and various community based re-entry partners to implement work that  leverages the influence of the Mayor’s Office and relationships with community-based providers to open new avenues of coordinated support as part of Baltimore’s Re-Entry Continuum of Care.  

Re-Entry Action Council (RAC) 

The RAC is responsible for establishing and implementing evidence-based re-entry practices, including but not limited to: strengths-based case management; access to effective workforce development training and programming; work readiness; addressing barriers to housing; family reunification; and connectivity to holistic healthcare services including mental and behavioral health, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders.  

The RAC is currently accepting applications for individuals with lived experience as a justice-involved person and/or experience supporting a justice-involved person, those with subject matter expertise in re-entry best practices and strategies, those with current or previous experience serving the re-entry population, and those with current or previous experience with the Second Chance Act. Applications can be filled out online through the Mayor’s Office of Government Relations’ portal.  

Returning Citizens Behind the Wall  

In Spring 2023, MONSE launched the Returning Citizens Behind the Wall initiative designed to connect Baltimoreans who will be re-entering society within 18 months with meaningful $15/hour employment, skills training, and wraparound support ahead of their release from incarceration.  

This opportunity was available to Baltimoreans who are incarcerated at the Baltimore City Correctional Center or the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women and eligible for work release. This program is not currently active and is being evaluated before any future decisions are made.  

Safe Return Planning 

In partnership with case managers at both MOED and DPSCS, MONSE works to provide resources and structured plans for recently released returning citizens and incarcerated individuals preparing to return home to Baltimore City. These tailored plans strive to support returning citizens in the 18-20 months after their release. 

In January of 2024, MOED and MONSE began going behind the wall monthly to coordinate safe return plans with Returning Citizens Behind the Wall participants and others returning from incarceration in Baltimore City. These plans are built depending on individual need, but include some or all of the following services:  

  • Creation of an individual development plan;
  • Family support assessments;
  • Mental health support;
  • Life skills support;
  • Individual and / or group therapy;
  • Housing planning;
  • Employment planning;
  • Training;
  • Connection to service providers. 

Office of Returning Citizens 

A bill signed in March of 2024 laid the groundwork for the buildout of the Office of Returning Citizens. Housed within MONSE, the Office of Returning Citizens will coordinate services, develop support networks, and advocate for Baltimoreans re-entering society. MONSE is actively working to secure funding to support the build out of this office.