Unpredictability in Government = a Disappearing Safety Net
Our Communities Are at Risk
Federal instability and the disappearance of critical funding sources-like Medicare, Medicaid, and targeted grants-are creating a crisis for reentry programs and the broader social work sector! The impact is real, immediate, and devastating for the most vulnerable among us. When social services are underfunded or disappear, the consequences extend far beyond individuals returning from incarceration. The absence of these supports creates a cascade of challenges that destabilize families, increase homelessness, and undermine public safety.
“Whenever you conceptualize social justice struggles, you will always defeat your own purposes if you cannot imagine the people around whom you are struggling as equal partners.”
What’s Happening?
Despite proven success in reducing recidivism and supporting reintegration, reentry programs remain drastically underfunded, leaving countless individuals without access to housing, employment, or mental health support. Proposed state and federal budgets threaten to slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid and Medicare, programs that serve over 83 million Americans-including low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children with special health needs. In addition, the ever changing requirements for grant funding has made a difficult job even harder. Many grants that used to exist either no longer do or they are not sure if they can release the funds that have already been granted for fear of federal reprisal.
The Impact
Fewer Services, More Barriers: Cuts force clinics, community health centers, and reentry organizations to reduce staff or shut down, slashing access to essential services like behavioral health care, substance use treatment, and crisis intervention.
Workforce Shortages: Social workers and behavioral health professionals are leaving the field due to funding uncertainty and low reimbursement rates, worsening already critical shortages-especially in rural and low-income areas.
Widening Inequality: Vulnerable populations-especially communities of color, people with disabilities, and the formerly incarcerated-face even greater obstacles to health, stability, and opportunity as the safety net unravels.
STAND UP FOR REENTRY
⇼
STAND UP FOR COMMUNITIES
⇼
STAND UP FOR PEOPLE
⇼
STAND UP FOR REENTRY ⇼ STAND UP FOR COMMUNITIES ⇼ STAND UP FOR PEOPLE ⇼
Take Action Now
Raise Your Voice: Demand that policymakers protect and restore funding for Medicare, Medicaid, and reentry programs.
Support Local Organizations: Volunteer, donate, and advocate for the social workers and reentry professionals who keep our communities strong.
Stay Informed: The fight for a fair and effective safety net affects everyone-especially the most vulnerable among us.