Berks County will be partnering with PennDOT to remove a big hurdle for formerly incarcerated people working their way back into society.
The commissioners on Thursday voted unanimously to enter an agreement with PennDOT to provide county prisoners a valid state identification or application for a state identification prior to release.
The idea for the effort was born out of a simulation event held earlier this year by Connections Work meant to show the challenges that people released from prison encounter after their release back into the community.
Berks County Jail Warden Jeffrey Smith took part in that simulation in March and said he came away with some new perspectives.
“After participating in the reentry simulation, this was one of the basic needs that we identified as a priority to be addressed,” Smith said following the vote Thursday. “Having access to a valid ID is a critical need for individuals released from incarceration.”
Smith said the new partnership with PennDOT will allow staff at the jail to identify people who require this service upon their intake. They will take steps with PennDOT to request a duplicate/renewal ID or driver’s license at no cost to the incarcerated person.
There will also be a process available for those who have never possessed a state ID or driver’s license.
“We are very excited to see this program rollout,” he said.
Source: Berkshire mont