EXECUTIVE ORDER
05-33

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri recognizes that all citizens have a right to live in safe communities; and

WHEREAS, 97% of offenders in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections will someday be released from prison to live in those communities; and

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri recognizes that a good and responsible government is one that applies its resources in an efficient, effective, and coordinated effort to make every offender's transition from prison to community a successful one - not just for the offender, but for children, families, friends, neighbors, visitors, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP) has demonstrated great promise in bringing State departments and community organizations together to work in unison toward this common and noble goal; and

WHEREAS, ongoing commitment to this process from all participating State departments is a requirement for its ultimate success; and

WHEREAS, all Missourians will surely benefit from that success.

NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Matt Blunt, Governor of the State of Missouri, by the power vested in me by the Laws and Constitution of the State of Missouri, do hereby order and direct the Department of Corrections to lead a permanent interagency steering team for the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP).

The steering team shall be comprised of senior leaders from the following state agencies, though membership shall not be limited to them:

• Department of Corrections
• Missouri Board of Probation and Parole
• Department of Mental Health
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
• Department of Economic Development
• Department of Revenue
• Department of Health and Senior Services
• Office of State Courts Administrator

Membership shall also include community organizations representing crime victims, law enforcement, treatment providers, the faith community and any others deemed necessary to accomplish the mission set forth herein.

The Department of Corrections shall appoint a chairperson of the MRP steering team responsible for its oversight and direction.

The mission of the MRP Steering Team shall be to integrate successful offender reentry principles and practices in state agencies and communities resulting in partnerships that enhance offender self-sufficiency, reduce re-incarceration, and improve public safety.

The Department of Corrections shall, with its partner agencies, develop a comprehensive, statewide plan for the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP).

• The initial plan shall be developed and submitted to the Governor by January 1, 2006.
• There shall be subsequent annual reports that include outcomes, progress toward goals, and emerging issues.

This Executive Order shall expire on January 31, 2009, unless reauthorized by a later Executive Order.

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