Federal Bureau of Prisons A-Z Topics Site Map FOIA Search Home About Us Inmates Locations Careers Business Resources Contact Us First Step Act The First Step Act or FSA (Public Law 115-39) passed on December 18, 2018. It requires the Attorney General (AG) to develop a risk and needs assessment system for BOP to assess the recidivism risk and criminogenic needs of all federal prisoners and to place prisoners in recidivism reducing programs and productive activities to address their needs and reduce this risk. Overview The First Step Act is significant legislation that affects BOP inmates and their families. This page provides an overview of how the Act affects reductions in recidivism, incentives for success, confinement, correctional reforms, sentencing reforms, and oversight. Attorney General Reports Under the First Step Act, the Attorney General is required to report to Congress on the activities undertaken, and accomplishments reached, in carrying out the law. This page makes those reports available to the public. PATTERN Risk Assessment PATTERN is a tool that measures an inmate's risk of recidivism and provides them opportunities to reduce their score. This page provides resources that are used to calculate those recidivism risk scores and levels. Needs Assessment & Programs This page provides resources that explain how inmate needs are assessed, lists FSA-related reentry programs to meet those needs, and provides information on how you can submit an idea for a program. Related Policies This page lists BOP policies that were created, or updated, to address requirements under the First Step Act. Frequently Asked Questions This page provides general information about the First Step Act, which were gathered from frequently asked questions, and organized by topic. FSA Numbers Fair Sentencing / Retroactive Sentence Reductions Ready to Work Initiative Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Participation Elderly Offender Home Confinement Compassionate Releases / Reduction in Sentences About Us About Our Agency About Our Facilities Historical Information Statistics Inmates Find an Inmate First Step Act Communications Custody & Care Visiting Voice a Concern Locations List of our Facilities Map of our Locations Search for a Facility Careers Life at the BOP Explore Opportunities Current Openings Application Process Our Hiring Process Business Acquisitions Solicitations & Awards Reentry Contracting Resources Policy & Forms News Stories Press Releases Publications Research & Reports Resources For ... Victims & Witnesses Employees Federal Executions Former Inmates Media Reps Contact Us FOIA No FEAR Act Privacy Policy Information Quality Website Feedback USA.gov Justice.gov Open Government NIC UNICOR . FACEBOOK TWITTER LINKEDIN USAJOBS