What are your suggestions or ideas for re-integrating convicted felons (post-prison) into broader society?

The Garden of Earthaâ„¢ly Delight

(((Samian)))
I'm so glad you asked this. I used o work as a literacy teacher in NSW Prisons and as part of that job I was responsible for running the Pre-Release Program. At that point (the 1990's) it was a fairly decent program. We taught the guys about bank accounts and tax forms. We took them on day release programs and showed them how to get public transport and read timetables (many of these guys had been inside for 20 years. They had missed the coming of the computer age. Many of them were only semi literate, so we made advanced plans to get them into courses to help with that. We had a network of employers through the Prisoners Action Group who would take on parolees and ex-prisoners.We had contacts with Public Housing officials to get them stable housing as soon as they were released.

And at that point he recidivism rate was about half what it is now...when these programs are no longer funded, in response to a public outcry over what was seen as mollycoddling.

But you know what? It is a lot more cost effective (and creates fewer victims of crime) to keep a person in work and out of prison, than to throw them back out on the streets and say.."here...fend for yourself the best way you know how"

Because the best way they know how is to thieve...or bash...or sell drugs ...or...or ...or. So they return to committing crimes to survive. And it costs a lot more money to try and convict them, to imprison and guard them...than it does to give them some tools with which to live in the community.

And it lowers the number of victims significantly too.Oddly enough.
And I thought that a growing list of victims was what we were trying to prevent with this whole law and order thing...ya know?

David S

We all know that U.S. prisons are understaffed, overpopulated, and that absolutely nothing is done to educate or otherwise help prisoners re-integrate into society. That's where I would start. But first, I'd stop sending cannabis users to jail at all, which should reduce the prison population significantly and free up a nice chunk of funds.

When they come out of prison, they could work in a government-run industry, acclimating them to life outside, until ready for re-introduction.

PooPooLaTrash

Some crimes (non-violent felonies with the exception of certain drug-related offenses) can be expunged or pardoned in most (not all) states after the offender has served their time and/or conditions of parole or probation. That's usually the best way to go.

Montecore

It all depends on two things, what the person was in prison for and what kind of prisoner they were. They have paid their debt to society and deserve a second chance and there are companies out there willing to do that. Many go back to crime because it seems easier than looking for a job and they get paid right away. But if they get caught they pay a high price, their freedom.

My suggestions to them is be patient and if they have a drug, or alcohol problem find an NA or AA meeting as soon as possible. There they will find people who have been where they were, then they should get a sponsor and go to 90 meetings in 90 days. Those are the best suggestions I could give and I wish anyone coming out of prison all the best, from there it is up to them.

Jay

A better suggestion would be to tell these felons not to commit crimes in the first place. Then they wouldn't have to worry about being denied for employment.

Doug J I

The violent ones can't be reintegrated, because, as you say, no one wants them around. Do you want them living next to you or working next to you? Repeat violent offenders should be relocated to farms in remote rural regions, like Minnesota or Montana, where they can earn their own living.

The person who said the employers have to take them should have to take one into her home, she can pay him to do housework and gardening, if she thinks its such a good idea.

CIA

It's a problem for sure, but jobs are hard for everyone to get right now. Obama is killing the job market to keep us all down. Finding odd jobs for individuals might be the best choice for now.

dusty_titus

Employers must be forced to accept these felons - and pay for their training too.

spike_dusel

A rope.

Ou812 The Hate YOU Created pt10

With a 6 foot hole and a pine box they fit fit back into society quite nicely.
-until we enforce the death penalty with greater latitude and frequency there will always be a stereotype. Capital punishment reduces this by eliminating the worst, allowing the bad to remain in prison and chance for those who "just made a bad choice one day" a chance at a new life.

Other than that there isn't much you can do, we are so lenient with our penal system employers can't afford NOT to be wary of ex-convicts. Maybe, they could become state employees such as post men, garbage men, rangers....never mind. Bad idea.

Nope, nothing.

skido achulo

I belong to a group of NGOs interested in integrating female released prisoners into society. we want to start with five female who are ready and interested. Before take off, we want to exchange ideas and visits with experience sister organization in this field. Please assist me with necessary contacts. Our project will be the first in my country.

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