Dr. Khanna’s Returning Youth Initiative was sparked by Dr. Surajit Khanna’s realization that young adults being released from prison have a high likelihood to reencounter law enforcement or commit suicide within the first 12 months. Through Dr. Khanna’s research of the Criminal Justice Reformation Act of 1974 (reauthorized in 2018), he realized that it has been grossly ineffective in rehabilitating those released from incarceration. Specifically, the Act did not provide for long-term post-incarceration support and rehabilitation. Because of this, these young adults feel disrespected, deprived of compassion, and many still suffer from mental incarceration. In effect, most of them see no positive path forward for their lives. The isolation they experienced while confined continues after they are released from the physical prison.
Dr. Khanna knew something had to be done and spends every day fighting to make a difference.