At a Glance | 2023 Statistics
The Local Reentry Council – New Hanover County at LINC, Inc.(LRC) is an integrated network uniting various entities to facilitate the successful reintegration of current and former justice-involved individuals at the local level. By leveraging existing program services, LRC endeavors to reduce recidivism rates by providing essential support such as housing, transportation, and educational assistance.
LRC is part of a network of agencies across North Carolina that provides support for individuals with legal histories, and for their families. There are 25 Local Reentry Councils (LRCs) across the state. The number of LRCs continues to increase.
The LRC’s process of connecting clients with services begins with an orientation session. After orientation, clients are assigned a case worker for an individualized plan to address needs and identify programs and services that will help.
What is the Local Reentry Council?
The Local Reentry Council at LINC is here to help returning citizens successfully reenter the community.
A Local Reentry Council (LRC) consists of an organized network of individuals and agencies from different disciplines and backgrounds that have a role or significant interest in providing supervision and coordination of innovative responses to the reintegration of offenders/formerly incarcerated individuals at the local level and to use existing program services. The purpose of the Local Reentry Council is to help bring together all stakeholders who could offer assistance to returning citizens.
The primary role of the Local Reentry Council coordinator is to be the “point of contact” in the local reentry council process. This includes serving as lead case manager in providing comprehensive case management services to returning citizens, coordinating the community’s input in the implementation of the North Carolina Reentry Council Comprehensive Plan, providing outreach to and education on the importance of reentry to the public, and recruiting and collaborating with service providers and criminal justice professionals.
In 2010, the NC General Assembly created the Joint Select Committee on Ex-Offender Reintegration into Society. This legislative committee made several recommendations, including the development of local reentry councils which eventually became the basis for SB 141 (SL 2012-168, Section 5(b) and (c)).
This bill reads: “SECTION 5.(c) During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, the Research and Planning Section of the Department of Public Safety shall work with local communities to form up to 10, but not less than three, local reentry councils to develop comprehensive local reentry plans, to document and maximize the use of existing services, and to supervise and coordinate innovative responses to the reintegration of ex-offenders at the local level. The Section shall also form a State-level advisory group with broad representation of involved State agency leadership, service providers, and program recipients.”
In January 2024, Governor Roy Cooper signed an Executive Order that will cause the expansion of reentry services, coordination between government agencies, and establish additional Local Reentry Councils across the state.
How does the Local Reentry Council help?
Friendly, knowledgeable case managers at LINC, Inc.’s Local Reentry Council help returning citizens in a one-on-one setting to match the best resources with needs.
We explore the options that get individuals started on the path to success, and turn setbacks into comebacks.
New Hanover County’s LRC is a source of Comprehensive Case Management resources. Clients should speak with their counselor for up-to-date information on:
- Case management
- Temporary shelter
- Personal safety
- Financial services
- Legal services
- Family re-unification and support
- Immigration
- Medical and healthcare
- Mental health support
- Substance and addiction counseling
- Employment assistance
- Food
- Education and vocational training
- Transportation
Printable: LRC Flyer and LRC Orientation Flyer