Other Community Initiatives

• Immigrant Affairs Program
• Fair Chance Initiative

Immigrant Affairs Program

The Immigrant Affairs Program was created in December of 2007 (press release).

Attorneys assigned to the program will work on diverse issues related to scams and frauds perpetrated against immigrants, as well as construction industry safety and employment practices. Attorneys involved in the program will also engage in outreach to aid victims and witnesses who fear cooperating with law enforcement because of their immigration status.

Individuals with concerns or issues related to their immigration status and the criminal justice system can make complaints over the telephone to the Special Prosecutions Bureau's Intake Unit at 212-335-8900. Individuals may also visit the Intake Unit, located at One Hogan Place, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Fair Chance Initiative

In February 2008, the New York County District Attorney's Office began the Fair Chance Initiative (press release).

The Fair Chance Initiative is an effort to assist recently-released inmates adjust to life outside of prison. The aim of the initiative is to increase public safety by ensuring that recently-released inmates quickly receive the social services they need. The initiative also provides alternatives to re-incarceration for former inmates who get arrested for non-violent crimes.

As part of the Fair Chance initiative, the District Attorney's Office works with the New York State Division of Parole (State Parole) and many re-entry providers to address the major issues confronting the inmates who have recently been released, including the availability of substance abuse treatment, job training, and the need for housing.

The Fair Chance Initiative formalizes the informal cooperation that presently exists between the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and re-entry service providers such as the Fortune Society and The Doe Fund, and uses the resources of the District Attorney's Office to enhance the work of these organizations. Former inmates released to Manhattan will be able to contact the Manhattan District Attorney's Office directly and receive referrals to the appropriate re-entry service providers. The District Attorney's Office is working closely with The Doe Fund, The Fortune Society, and others to create a database of available services for ex-offenders.

As part of the initiative, the District Attorney's Office will work with State Parole to identify parolees who have been re-arrested for non-violent misdemeanors, but may be appropriate candidates for drug or alcohol treatment, job training, or other services provided by the cadre of re-entry providers