The RISE Court is dedicated to ensuring the successful reentry into society of men and women on supervised release following their release from prison. It does so through initiatives that encourage self-awareness and employment. There are five individual RISE courts currently established in the SDNY; each RISE court is presided over by a federal judge, who is assisted by a probation officer, pro bono attorneys, and others. In addition to the presiding judges, there are federal judges responsible for the policy, expansion, and supervision of the Court. Up to 15 participants appear before the presiding RISE court judge every two weeks for approximately one year to discuss his or her living and employment situation, legal and financial issues, and progress on completing a behavioral wellness program. Upon successful completion, the RISE Court judge recommends to the participant’s sentencing judge a reduction in their supervised release term of at least 12 months.
