Posted by There are over 2 million people currently serving time in the U.S. prison system and according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, over a half million will re-enter society each year. However, due to a host of issues, including mental health or substance abuse problems, about 50 percent of these individuals will repeatedly return to the prison system. Sadly, even in the best of circumstances, reintegration is tough for prisoners. Here is an overview of some critical issues that prisoners face when attempting to rejoin society, as well as some strategies states can use to help make the process run more smoothly.
Retraining and Employment
One of the most critical issues in determining whether an ex-prisoner can successfully re-enter society is their training and employment. Prisons often fail to provide any type of job training to prisoners, which means they leave prison without any way to earn a living. Recidivism rates of prisoners involved in job and vocational training during their stint in jail are generally 20-60 percent lower than those of prisoners released without the additional training. Some states, such as Illinois and Virginia, are successfully reducing recidivism rates by providing programs that help train prisoners and find them jobs after their release. Programs like these are crucial to help ensure the successful re-integration of prisoners, having their criminal record wiped clean by pardon services Canada, as well as the provision of temporary support services such as housing assistance and food stamps.
Family Networks
Prisoners who have a supportive network of family members tend to have a smoother reintegration process. By involving concerned family members in the process and helping ensure prisoners maintain strong relationships with their family while in jail, some states are improving their recidivism rates as well as ensuring adequate support for the prisoner. Family members can often help by providing prisoners with a place to stay after their release and by helping them to find employment. They also provide emotional support, which is an important part of helping prisoners avoid substance abuse and other issues that often led to their initial imprisonment.
Housing
Many studies show that up to 50 percent of recent parolees become homeless at some point after being released from prison. By lifting many of the bans that prevent individuals with drug felony convictions from being able to apply for government help with housing or food, states can help ensure that ex-prisoners have a safe place to live. Without a physical address, looking for a stable job can be impossible, which can compound the problem for many parolees. Programs that help ensure parolees have a stable place to live after leaving prison can help prisoners build a more successful life after leaving prison.
