Rochester, New York - March 27, 2013 - Hiscock & Barclay, LLP Partner Sheila A. Gaddis has been appointed co-chair of a New York State Bar Association committee set to examine problems individuals face upon release from prison or jail.
"This is an opportunity to look at ways to improve life for all of us by creating a path to success for people who might otherwise be barred from contributing as fully," said Gaddis, a partner in Hiscock & Barclay's Health Care and Human Services practice area. She works in the firm's Rochester office.
"Thousands of people are released from New York prisons and jails each year," said New York State Bar Association President Seymour W. James Jr. when he announced the creation of the committee. "Many have difficulty obtaining jobs, housing and basic services. Support is needed to address family relationships, employment opportunities and health and other issues so that they can succeed after they have completed their sentences."
The Special Committee on Re-entry will examine educational opportunities, job training and other initiatives, as well as look into the impact of incarceration on individuals and their ability to support their families. The committee is expected to issue a report in early 2014.
Joining Gaddis as Co-Chair is Ronald J. Tabak of New York City. The Vice Chair is Richard Raysman, also of New York City.
James said many of those released from incarceration are poorly prepared to confront the challenges of returning to society. Some enter prison or jail with mental health issues, drug problems, low education levels and meager job skills. Jail can worsen those problems, making it more difficult for them to succeed in re-entering society.
According to the Council of State Governments Justice Center in New York City, about 95 percent of inmates nationwide serving state prison time eventually are released. In 2011, more than 688,300 state inmates left prison. Currently more than 4.8 million adults in the United States are on probation, parole or other post-prison supervision.
Hiscock & Barclay, LLP, listed as a "Top 250 Firm" by The National Law Journal, is a full-service, 200-attorney law firm, with offices throughout the major cities of New York State, as well as in Boston, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, providing comprehensive legal and business counsel to a diverse client base in 30 practice areas. For more information on Hiscock & Barclay, visit www.hblaw.com.