Reentry Programs

What is this strategy?

Support programs that connect incarcerated persons to addiction treatment, recovery support, harm reduction services, primary healthcare, or other services or supports they need upon release from jail or prison, or that provide any of these services or supports.

Why reentry programs?

Programs that connect individuals to a variety of social and health services upon release from incarceration are critical in ensuring justice-involved individuals have the support they need. Especially with the quickly changing drug market and increasing potency of substances, it is important that individuals are provided harm reduction and safer use education as well as naloxone upon release. Additionally, providing individuals with support for a successful transition can reduce recidivism, health risks, and even death.


  • Explore a how-to toolkit for establishing a jail-based overdose prevention education program in your area

Complete List of Resources

The following resources have been compiled by the NC Department of Health and Human Services to help local governments better understand this strategy.
The resources below are organized by level.

Jump to: Introductory Resources | Intermediate Resources

Introductory Resources

NC Association of County Commissioners Webinar

A webinar that focuses on reentry programs with presentations from representatives from the NC Formerly Incarcerated Transition (NC FIT) Program and the Guilford County Reentry Council

NC Reentry Programs and Services Office (RPS)

RPS offers reentry programs and services, facilitates stakeholder collaboration, and provides education and training regarding reentry best practices

North Carolina Formerly Incarcerated Transition (NC FIT) Program

Program that connects formerly incarcerated individuals who have a chronic disease, mental illness and/or substance use disorder with appropriate healthcare services and other reentry resources

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Expands Second Chance Opportunities for Formerly Incarcerated Persons

An overview of the the comprehensive strategy that expands Incarceration to Employment opportunities

Intermediate Resources

NC State Reentry Council Collaborative (SRCC)

The SRCC is charged with studying the needs of individuals who have been recently released from a correctional institution and increasing the effectiveness of local reentry councils

Jail-based Overdose Prevention Education and Naloxone Distribution Toolkit

A how-to toolkit for establishing a jail-based overdose prevention education program

A circle graphic with an envelope image inside

For more information about reentry programs, contact DMH.Justice@dhhs.nc.gov