New Atlanta program to help prisoners re-enter workforce

The Atlanta Mayor's Office announces a new program aimed at helping prisoners adjust to life outside prison when they're released.

The program is called Preparing Adult Offenders to Transition through Therapy and Training or PAT 3. It will focus primarily on incarcerated men.

The program will provide them job training as well as employment opportunities with the city.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said the goal is to allow prisoners to become self-sustaining members of society.

As part of the program, participants who complete a vocational training phase will actually become certified employees at the Department of Watershed Management.

Those jobs will come with full benefits and retirement.