MN HF1518

Commissioner of corrections shall award an $800,000 grant to Peace of Hope, Inc. to develop and implement a pilot project providing full-service round-trip transportation for families visiting incarcerated offenders in state correctional facilities from September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2021.

Transportation services shall include registration, orientation, family support, resource sharing, and follow-up services for up to six months after visits, with scheduled pick-up locations and options for families of offenders at all risk levels.

Pilot project goals include removing transportation as a barrier to visitation, promoting family unity, relieving stress-related issues, encouraging parental involvement around school schedules, and improving employment and school success for families.

Additional goals focus on reducing recidivism through increased visitation and decreasing agitation and violence in correctional facilities by encouraging family unification as an incentive.

Peace of Hope, Inc. must report to legislative corrections committees by November 1, 2021, on the pilot project's development, implementation, impact, and outcomes.