Governor Abigail Spanberger announced today the successful launch of an Intensive Reentry Program at Red Onion State Prison, marking it as one of the first of its kind in a maximum-security facility nationwide. This new initiative expands Virginia's existing reentry efforts, aiming to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful community reintegration.
The program is the 15th in operation across the Commonwealth, from work centers to maximum-security correctional centers. Virginia’s Intensive Reentry Programs utilize a Cognitive Community model built on accountability, support, and structure, focusing on workforce readiness and connections to community resources to support a safe and productive reentry process and strengthen public safety.
“Reentry programming should not stop at the doors of our maximum-security facilities,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. She added that the expansion reflects a firm belief that “long-term public safety requires preparing individuals for a successful, lawful return to their communities, regardless of where they serve their sentence.” Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Stanley M. Meador noted this is a “direct continuation of the comprehensive reforms we’ve launched over the past six months.”
Virginia Department of Corrections Director Joseph Walters commended the dedicated corrections team members, stating, “Successful reentry is central to the VADOC’s public safety mission.” The program emphasizes cognitive restructuring, an evidence-based approach designed to help participants change thinking patterns, build emotional maturity, and strengthen decision-making skills. Initial program space is limited, and eligibility criteria will be followed for placement.