Transition from Incarceration

The Challenges of Prisoner

Re-Entry Into Society

When prisoners in the United States are released, they face an environment that is challenging and actively deters them from becoming productive members of society. Within three years of release, 67.8 percent of ex-offenders are rearrested, and within five years, 76.6 percent are rearrested. With more people then ever incarcerated in the United States, recidivism harms both the families of inmates and society in general, as taxpayers continue to support a broken system that sets ex-offenders up to fail once they are released. Being in prison is a sad place to be after leaving home to a new home!

The Congressional Research Service defines recidivism as “the re-arrest, re-conviction, or re-incarceration of an ex-offender within a given time frame.” Because of systemic legal and societal barriers, once ex-offenders are released, it is more difficult for them compared to the general populace to find gainful employment, secure a consistent source of housing, and generally function in society. Often viewed as sub-citizens, ex-offenders are perpetually punished for crimes. The causes of these restrictions are systemic and affect ex-offenders at all levels of society. It’s not always easy to return home or out of a place of suffering without support. Ralph sanders speak on topics facing the unknown steps into the world after being locked up over a 10 year incarceration challenge without a support system!

Interconnected Challenges Contributing to the Cycle of Recidivism

Before diving into where and how ex-offenders are affected, it is important to understand micro, mezzo, and macro levels of analysis. Put simply, micro level of analysis refers to individuals; mezzo level of analysis refers to families or small groups; and macro level of analysis refers to organizations, agencies, communities, and large groups of people, including nations. In almost any social change context, these levels are interconnected and affect one another. If there is no support or community compassion life on parole can be very challenging and one step back behind the walls of a prison cell.

Former prisoners face challenges at every level. It does not matter what level or status you are classified in - you are all in the same limbo wearing the same color blue. These challenges come in many forms, Ralph sanders speak also on a inmates person’s successful re-entry into society can be viewed through how adequately they are able to meet six basic life needs: livelihood, residence, family, health, criminal justice compliance, and social connections.” Attaining each life need presents unique challenges, many of which are interconnected. Some just do not have the support or love ones to help guide them in the right steps of not going back into there old behavior. There are halfway houses and other positive programs that will help mature the inmate into a support group that will keep a right perspective.

Livelihood

While data on post-incarceration employment in relation to recidivism is reality that seems clear that it is much less likely for ex-inmates to find employment than a member of the general population. A 2002 study of more than 200 employers in the LA area found that formerly incarcerated candidates with nearly identical professional experience as non-offenders were less than half as likely to receive job offers. According to the Bureau of Justice, only a certain amount  of employers said they would accept an application from an ex-convict. Ironically, getting back to work decreases recidivism, but there are barriers for ex-convicts finding work. Its not a easy taste to find a legit supported job that will pay what the ex-offender is use to receiving before getting into trouble and doing hard time!

Many prisoners have limited education and work experience, which makes it difficult for them to secure employment after they are released. According to several studies, “about 70 percent of offenders and ex-offenders are high school dropouts.” As a result of incarceration and involvement in the criminal justice system, many former prisoners are viewed negatively by former employers or by individuals within their former professional networks, if they previously had one. The combination of a limited professional network and a conspicuous résumé gap can make it very difficult for ex-convicts to get an interview with a prospective employer. This can be very depressing at times for passing off a resume to a place of desire for working. The doors will be closed at times dealing with a criminal record and could give negative vibes and a lack of faith behavior which creates falling back into giving up.

According to the Urban Institute, around 75 percent of formerly incarcerated men have a history of substance abuse, and a significant percentage suffer from physical and mental health issues ( 15 percent to 20 percent report emotional disorders). That limits their employment in that employers may not view them as “job ready.”

Many employers worry about being sued for damages resulting from “negligent hiring.” An employer can be held liable for exposing the public to a potentially dangerous individual, so many hesitate at the idea of hiring someone with a criminal record. In 72 percent of negligent hiring cases, employers have lost and faced an average settlement of $1.6 million — powerful disincentive to hire potentially “risky” individuals.

Race is also a factor, particularly when combined with a history of incarceration. In the 2002 study of California employers mentioned above, African-American offenders were two-thirds less likely to receive offers, and African-American non-offenders were half as likely as white non-offenders to receive an offer. So African-Americans ex-offenders face a huge double-challenge: Even if they hadn’t committed a crime, racism significantly restricts their job opportunities; since they have committed a crime, they must somehow overcome the racism and convince the employer that their ex-con status does not make them a risky hire.

Fortunately for many former inmates, employer interest in an ex-offender rises when they find out that the crime was nonviolent or drug-related. So long as the individual remains drug-free and has gained relevant work experience (either inside or outside of prison), there is more employer interest in hiring. Keep the faith and know that you can accomplish anything you desire! BY: Ralph Sanders