On April 14, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s EMBRACE Initiative hosted its second reentry convening, bringing together representatives from key state and city agencies, including the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), the Department of Parole and Probation, the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, and the Office of the Public Defender.
The convening focused on some of the most pressing challenges facing individuals returning from incarceration: securing stable housing and employment, accessing mental health care, obtaining vital records despite structural barriers, and improving coordination, communication, and data sharing across agencies and nonprofit partners.
Secretary Carolyn Scruggs of DPSCS joined the event and offered thoughtful opening remarks, sharing insights into the obstacles returning citizens encounter and potential strategies to address them. Throughout the day, Scruggs and other government leaders participated in productive discussions that hold promise for improving outcomes for people transitioning home.
One of the most exciting topics to emerge was the EMBRACE Initiative’s developing artificial intelligence project. Affectionately nicknamed “Skippy,” the tool is designed to connect returning citizens with the supportive services they need. Interactive and user-friendly, Skippy aims to bridge many of the gaps that currently complicate the reentry process. Government partners expressed strong interest and look forward to learning more as the prototype takes shape.
This convening marked another meaningful step toward strengthening collaborative data sharing and building a more connected, coordinated reentry ecosystem.
The next convening, scheduled for May, will bring together government officials and service providers — an opportunity both groups are eagerly anticipating. With a shared vision and a wealth of expertise and lived experience, the May gathering is poised to be the most impactful yet.