Youngkin issues executive order aimed at reducing recidivism

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed an executive order creating a new initiative aimed at reducing recidivism rates statewide. The Stand Tall – Stay Strong – Succeed Together Initiative (Stand Tall Initiative) is designed to provide support and resources for successful reintegration into society.

The initiative builds on the work of the governor’s reentry task force, which was established in April 2023 and has led to more than 3,000 more returning Virginians having gained employment and more than 7,000 more having gained health insurance.

The Stand Tall Initiative aims to contribute to reentry success by assisting with employment, benefit enrollment, reentry programming, parenthood and public safety efforts.

"Our approach is proactive, measuring the achievement of key metrics for success and strategically using state resources through cross-agency partnerships," Youngkin said. "We want more testimonials of hope in Virginia and that’s what the Stand Tall Initiative is all about."

Each year, about 10,000 adults and juveniles are released from incarceration into supervision in Virginia. Fifty-thousand returning citizens are managed by the Virginia Department of Corrections at any one time and remain on supervision for an average of three years, but one in two returning citizens is rearrested and reconvicted of a felony within three years of release. More than half of Virginia's prison and jail population was previously incarcerated. ​

“Employment for returning citizens is more than just a second chance — it’s a cornerstone of public safety and community well-being," said Attorney General Jason Miyares. "We must continue to improve the re-entry process, because effective re-entry is not just a matter of redemption—it’s essential in keeping Virginia safe and strong.”