Returning Citizens Stimulus Program
Program overview
Supports for formerly incarcerated individuals: The Returning Citizens Stimulus (RCS) program provides direct cash transfers and reentry support services to formerly incarcerated individuals. The program aims to demonstrate the feasibility of reintegrating returning citizens at scale.
Implemented in conjunction with local reentry service providers: The Center for Employment Opportunity (CEO) operates RCS through partnerships with local reentry service providers. CEO offers administrative support and funding, while local service providers identify potential recipients and coordinate payments and services.
Providing conditional cash transfers: RCS provides financial assistance to participants in the form of conditional cash transfers. Participants receive three payments totalling between $2,250 and $2,750 via a prepaid debit card. While participants have flexibility in how they spend these funds, they must make progress toward individualized milestones (e.g., attending employment workshops, creating a resume) to continue receiving financial support.
Connecting participants to support services: As part of the program, RCS staff may connect participants to reentry support services. The types of services may vary depending on the local context, but often include employment coaching, career skills training, or mental health care. These services may be provided in-house or through partnerships with other community-based organizations.
- Strategies
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Transitional employment and re-entry support
One study with a less rigorous design suggests that the Returning Citizens Stimulus (RCS) program is a promising strategy for improving post-release outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals.
- A 2021 pre-post study found that almost two-thirds of RCS participants reached an employment-related milestone and almost a third reached a financial security milestone. In addition, participants reported that the RCS funds helped them in their job searches and made them feel more financially stable.
Note: this content is currently under review.
Set criteria for setting participant milestones: RCS programs should set criteria that support participants in identifying individualized milestones that are achievable but encourage meaningful engagement in the program. The Center for Employment Opportunities recommends four criteria in its RCS Implementation Guide. These include milestones that: (1) are achievable given the program’s timeline, (2) demonstrate active engagement in the program, (3) relate to employment outcomes, and (4) recognize any programmatic constraints.
Consider public benefits when designing cash transfers: Replicating agencies should set cash transfer amounts so they will not render participants ineligible for other public benefits that they receive. In particular, the cash transfer amount should not exceed the income limit set for programs like SNAP.
Build strong internal systems to manage risk and program data: Risk management and quality assurance should be key considerations in replicating RCS. Incorporating effective risk management and quality assurance mechanisms can facilitate the identification of opportunities to improve the program. In addition, as cash transfers can be controversial in certain political contexts, these systems can address concerns about effectiveness and accountability.
Establish open pathways of communication: Replicating agencies should build out processes to collect feedback from participants in order to adapt program functions or services as needed. In addition, providers should establish relationships with probation or parole officers to ensure participants’ compliance with requirements and share updates on progress toward program milestones.