Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice will discontinue a program that helps formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into their communities, according to a recent announcement.
The Goldring Reentry Initiative was established with the mission of addressing the barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals — combining academic expertise with hands-on case management to provide comprehensive reentry services. According to an updated webpage describing the program, GRI will no longer offer direct services starting in June 2025 and will instead focus on the criminal legal system as part of SP2's Criminal Justice Hub.
The program is no longer listed on SP2's website. The GRI program, clinical directors, and SP2 did not respond to the DP’s requests for comment.
According to a webpage describing the program, GRI is redirecting its efforts to support the development of SP2’s Criminal Justice Hub model with community partners.
"Rather than operating our own program for returning citizens, we will partner with other agencies serving this population to enhance capacity across organizations in the Greater Philadelphia area," the announcement read.
GRI helped formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society through areas including securing stable housing, obtaining employment, accessing healthcare, and rebuilding family relationships. By equipping participants with the tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives, GRI sought to reduce recidivism and foster long-term stability, according to a 2013 Penn Today article describing the program.
GRI also served as a vital learning platform for Penn students, particularly those pursuing careers in social work, law, and public policy. Through the initiative, students engaged directly with clients, gaining firsthand experience in addressing the systemic and personal challenges associated with reentry.
GRI was a field placement option for Master of Social Work students, allowing them to "work one-on-one with individuals as they transition out of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons to provide therapeutic case management support" according to an online description of the program.
Ram Cnaan, a professor and director of the Program for Religion and Social Policy Research at SP2, founded GRI with a vision to reduce recidivism and support returning citizens in reintegrating into society. As the program’s faculty director, Cnaan has guided its mission to address the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, according to his profile on the SP2 website.
One participant highlighted the program's role in his life to The Daily Pennsylvanian in 2014.
"I need some type of support system that can help me get back into society. I need someone to work with me and help me," the participant said.
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