New resolution to provide Berks inmates with Pennsylvania ID upon release

READING, Pa. – The Berks County Board of Commissioners has approved a measure to help county jail inmates get back on their feet when they are released.

"We're super excited about the commitment that the county commissioners and the jail have made to helping to ensure the reentry success of individuals getting out of jail," said Peggy Kershner, co-executive director at Connections Work.

Berks County commissioners adopted a resolution to provide vouchers for individuals being released from prison who don't have a Pennsylvania ID.

"Not having that ID creates a huge amount of barriers," Kershner said.

It isn't a cheap to get one.

"The cost of identification is about $40," Kershner said.

And for recently released inmates, it could be especially hard to afford.

"You might not have a support system on the outside. So $40 may not seem like a lot to a lot of people, but if you have nothing, it might as well be $500 because you don't have it," Kershner said.

It's a piece of plastic many take for granted.

"You can't get a job if you don't have two forms of valid identification," Kershner said. "Even the homeless shelters require identification. To sign a lease, you're going to need identification." 

It's also needed if you're asked to get drug tested or obtain treatment.

"All of those providers of services may require you to have an ID," Kershner said.

The agreement is through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

"I think something to remember is at the county jail, the vast majority of the individuals who are at the county jail are going to be released back into the community," Kershner said.

She said while this is a great first step, assistance inside the prison to aid with the transition back to society would be greatly beneficial.

"Know it's something that the jail administration is looking looking for also, but often it comes down to resources," Kershner said.