Safe Return

Providing comprehensive reentry services, including intake, assessment and service linkage to those returning to society after incarceration.

Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s Safe Return Program, funded by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides reentry assistance and a broad range of essential services for individuals returning to society within three years of being incarcerated and who are no longer under criminal justice supervision. Safe Return ensures that individuals returning to society from incarceration are given the tools and care they need in order to establish and lead self-fulfilling, independent lives after reintegrating back into society.

Through the Safe Return program, VOADV professionals assist individuals in obtaining the necessary structure, support and additional opportunities that are fundamental for successful reintegration into their communities. The program offers the following key services:

• Case management and family reunification
• Housing assistance
• Employment services – job readiness, employment training, job placement
• Education assistance
• Legal assistance and advocacy
• Benefits assessment and reinstatement assistance
• Substance abuse and mental health linkage
• Treatment referral and linkage
• Assistance with State Identification & Driver’s license

Operating within established VOADV offices and embedded satellite offices, the Safe Return program is a one-stop place for reentry needs and services, covering the entirety of the organization’s footprint across southern New Jersey. The program currently provides services to individuals in the following regions/counties:

• Atlantic and Cape May Counties
• Tri-County – Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem
• Camden County
• Mercer and Burlington Counties

Since 2015, Safe Return has operated successfully in the community with the assistance of a number of valuable partnerships – working collaboratively with state correctional facilities, county jails, local and regional law enforcement and other agencies to engage thousands of individuals each year. The program relies on VOADV’s collaborative relationship with the County Justice Facilities and Department of Corrections Facilities throughout the State, which allow for discharge planning efforts up to six months prior to an individual maxing out.

Office Locations