The journey of reentry after incarceration is riddled with obstacles, as individuals with criminal records face a myriad of challenges when attempting to rebuild their lives. Among the most pressing difficulties are finding stable housing, securing employment opportunities, and accessing everyday resources. I want to delve into the significant challenges that felons encounter and explore potential solutions to support their successful reintegration into society.
- Finding Housing:
One of the foremost challenges for individuals with criminal records is finding suitable housing. Many landlords and property management companies employ strict background check policies, making it arduous for felons to secure safe and stable accommodations. Unfortunately, returning “home” isn’t always possible. The parole board and staff can tell you that you can’t live in the same county you used to live in, you can’t live with a certain person because they were a co-defendant, or they feel that the environment is a potential for you to re-offend. This is an area that many inmates and families are shocked by when they receive the news they’ve been paroled. Then there is the stigma associated with past convictions often results in housing discrimination, limiting options, and perpetuating the cycle of instability. Alternative housing options, such as transitional housing programs or collaborations with nonprofits, can offer supportive environments during the reentry process.
- Securing Employment:
Employment plays a pivotal role in successful reentry, yet felons frequently encounter significant barriers when seeking job opportunities. Employers often conduct background checks, leading to biased hiring practices and reduced chances for individuals with criminal records. Overcoming this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including education and advocacy campaigns to promote fair hiring practices, the implementation of ban-the-box policies, and the creation of job training and entrepreneurial programs specifically tailored for formerly incarcerated individuals. Families aren’t prepared for this and expect their loved ones to get a job immediately upon coming home. Inmates are not only now faced with the thought of letting down their loved ones, or getting in trouble with parole staff for not having employment, but also dealing with adjusting to “outside life” again. Remember, some of these folks might not have been free for several years and the world is not the same when they entered. Many families don’t have additional funding to endlessly support someone else. Again, while this person may have been part of the family unit at one time, there’s an adjustment now to having another mouth to feed and care for.
- Accessing Everyday Resources:
Beyond housing and employment, felons face hurdles when accessing everyday resources necessary for a smooth reentry. Basic necessities such as healthcare, transportation, financial services, and public assistance can become elusive due to restrictive policies or societal biases. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations are crucial to ensuring that individuals have access to these essential resources, fostering their stability and facilitating successful reintegration. When you leave prison, you are signed up for State Welfare Insurance. This is the only option at this point that you may have a spouse that can add you onto their insurance or you might be lucky enough to obtain a job and receive insurance on day one. A large majority of folks are on “Obama Care” because many employers have stopped offering insurance or it’s overly expensive. Folks get upset because people are on welfare when they come home, but consider this: Each year in the state of PA, it costs the state over $42,000 a year to house an inmate. That money is coming from the tax payer’s pockets along the line too.
- Social Stigma and Support Systems:
Felons often encounter social stigma and isolation, making it challenging to establish supportive networks that are vital for successful reentry. Negative public perceptions, limited social acceptance, and strained personal relationships can hinder the process of rebuilding one’s life. Promoting public education and awareness campaigns to challenge stigmatizing narratives, as well as creating mentorship and support programs, can help foster a supportive environment that encourages second chances and facilitates reintegration.
The challenges that felons face with reentry and accessing vital resources are complex and multifaceted. Overcoming these obstacles requires a comprehensive approach involving legislative reforms, advocacy efforts, community collaborations, and public education. By addressing housing and employment discrimination, expanding access to essential resources, and promoting social acceptance, we can create a more inclusive society that supports successful reentry for individuals with criminal records. Together, let us work towards a future where everyone has an opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. #prison, #prisonreentry,
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-section-of-man-against-sky-247851/
The Carpenter’s Daughter 
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