Reentry Resources
The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) provides reentry resources to incarcerated inmates and individuals under community supervision to assist in their transition back into the community. Please view our Reentry Resource Packet and the Pathway to Benefits Brochure for a complete list of resources.
Personal Identification Documents
To assist in the transition process back to the community, it is important to secure personal identification documents that are necessary when applying for benefits, housing, and employment. Documents include: birth certificate, social security card, and driver’s license or state-issued ID card.
If you need to secure or replace multiple documents, it will be helpful to apply for your documents in the following order:
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Birth Certificate
To request a copy of your birth certificate, contact the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. If you were born in another state, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born.
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Social Security Card
To secure a replacement social security card, follow the prompts and complete the questionnaire outlined on the Social Security Administration website.
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State ID or Driver's License
Contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles for information on how to apply for a Virginia state ID or driver's license.
Housing
Obtaining housing is an important step in the reentry process. Additionally, establishing a residence is required for obtaining employment, benefits, and various services. We have provided the following resources to assist individuals who are in need of housing following incarceration.
Community Residential Programs
Community Residential Programs are available to inmates, probationers, and parolees who meet eligibility requirements. Ask your probation officer or counselor about availability.
Oxford House
Oxford House is a self-governing financially self-supportive recovery residence for individuals with substance use disorders.
Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR)
Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR) presents a collaborative voice for recovery residences throughout our Commonwealth and works to ensure that everyone in recovery is able to access programs that offer high quality recovery residences.
Employment
The following resources provide information and services aimed at assisting inmates, probationers, and parolees with locating employment.
Virginia Works - Virginia Workforce Development Agency
The Commonwealth's workforce development agency is committed to linking Virginians to valuable employment and assisting employers in finding qualified workers to advance the Commonwealth. https://virginiaworks.gov/index.html
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is established to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.
Public Benefits
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) develops and administers programs that provide timely and accurate income support benefits and employment services to families and individuals in the Commonwealth. These programs assist citizens as they transition from dependency on public assistance programs to self-sufficiency. Benefits offered through the VDSS include:
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Medicaid
Medicaid, offered by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), is a medical assistance program that makes direct payments to health service providers for eligible individuals and families. For information on how to apply online, by mail, or by phone, visit the Virginia Medicaid website.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP benefits allow eligible individuals to purchase nutritious food items from authorized retailers.
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Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children to meet their basic needs.
Substance Use Disorder
Listed below are helpful resources for individuals with a history of substance abuse issues:
SAMHSA National Helpline – 1 (800) 662-HELP
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. You may also visit the SAMHSA online treatment locator.
Curb The Crisis
In response to the opioid epidemic, resources are available to assist. Please see the Curb The Crisis website for information regarding opioid use and dependence, treatment and recovery resources, Naloxone education, and more.
Peer Recovery Services
Peer Recovery Specialists facilitate group programming designed to support probationers and parolees in their recovery while on supervision. Peer Recovery Specialists have lived experience in recovery from substance use and offer their own personal experiences to provide hope to others. For more information, watch the following video — VADOC Peer Recovery Specialist Initiative.
VADOC Fentanyl Awareness Video
In response to the ongoing fentanyl poisoning and opioid epidemic occurring throughout Virginia, the VADOC has developed a Fentanyl Overdose Awareness video featuring Virginia families who have lost loved ones due to fentanyl.
Additional Resources
Reentry Council
Reentry Councils bring together state agencies, community stakeholders, reentry organizations and criminal justice involved individuals to strengthen collaboration and serve as a reentry network. Find a Reentry Council near you.
Reentry Video
Watch the video, Reentry and the Cognitive Community, for an overview of the VADOC's intensive reentry process and program.
State Caregiver Guide
View our Caregiver Guide for information and resources to assist families and caregivers of children with incarcerated parents.
211 Virginia
Contact 211 Virginia to find resources in your area. Information on how to access food, clothing, housing, childcare, employment, and many other resources are provided.
Restoration of Rights
Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights - the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights. Individuals seeking restoration of their civil rights are encouraged to contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office.