Effective Reentry Strategies Benefit All New Jerseyans
While there are many policies drafted and bills legislated, really the only components that comprise successful reentry are skills, support and shelter. With these four components, individuals can overcome the challenges that are faced in reentry with ease.
As people a released from incarceration, there are many challenges that they face. These problems can be overwhelming and easily discouraging for the individual who is trying to reenter society successfully. However, with the right support and skills, people will have a much easier time adjusting to life on the outside and staying free.
One of the biggest challenges that formerly incarcerated people face is getting a job. Many employers are reluctant to hire individuals with criminal records, or they tend to offer low wages; therefore, it can be hard for justice impacted people to find employment that is stable and provides them with financial security
When being released from prison, most folks face a situation where they have no source of employment, little or no money, little or no support network available to them and no shelter. When these four components are not available, it is nearly impossible for an individual to thrive in their life post-release. This can be seen with the number of people who return to prison within three years of release.
Release from prison is a very hard experience for an individual to go through. Incarceration disrupts all areas in an individual’s life; from education, to social support systems, to employment opportunities. Additionally, employment is a key factor in being successful in reentry because it allows an individual to not only provide for themselves, but also provides a source of motivation and pride that can distract from the negative aspects of incarceration.
The issues that are faced with reentry are widespread and very difficult to overcome. It is harder for individuals who have not been exposed to education programs while in prison, have little to no post-release support from their family members, or do not have a job opportunity available that they can take advantage of.
In order to address these issues, the first thing that can be done is provide those incarcerated with educational opportunities. If an individual receives an education while incarcerated, he or she has a much greater chance of self-improvement and success than those who did not receive the same educational opportunities. When family members of an incarcerated individual do not provide positive support, it can be devastating to their successful reentry. Support provides encouragement, motivation and a shoulder to lean on when times get rough. Without this support system available to an individual, they are more likely to feel isolated and alone during reentry.
Lastly, when there aren’t employment opportunities available for recently released individuals it makes their transition out of prison even harder. It allows them the opportunity to be able to earn money so they can put a roof over their head and food on the table instead of feeling dependent on others for these basic necessities. In doing so, this provides the individual with pride that helps drive them towards success in life post-release from prison.
Creating pathways to successful reentry is just as incumbent upon the community, as transformation and redemption is expected, if not demanded from formerly incarcerated individuals. Communities need to be aware of these issues and be able to help their communities, the incarcerated and those who support them.
For example, by providing training and education opportunities where they can gain both skills and knowledge on reentry, programs can be designed that would make individuals feel more empowered when it comes time for reentry.
This program could provide educational courses available at local colleges throughout New Jersey. The program could focus on everything from reentry as a whole to specific topics such as housing, employment, family dynamics and so forth. This course would provide assistance to prepare individuals for transitioning back into society after incarceration.
We have to be just as creative at helping people return home from prison, as we have been finding ways to send people to prison. Similarly, we must be willing to listen and have dialogue with them on issues that will benefit their reentry. We need community programs and opportunities for individuals which will not only help them meet their basic needs, but also improve their quality of life as well as a community where people can feel safe and welcome.
We need to recognize that these returning home from prisons do not want special treatment, they simply want equal opportunity.
