Prisoner Re-Entry in the News

Prisoner Re-Entry Legislation & Reports

Why do we call it Re-Entry?

For a prisoner nearing release from custody, one set of problems will soon replace another. From being watched and scheduled every minute of every day, the newly released prisoner enters a fast world of choices and more locked doors. From monotonous prison routine, the released prisoner looks at re-entering 'society' as might an alien traveler who is completely unfamiliar with life on Earth.

From just 'doing time' to planning one's time is often an enormous hurdle for the returning or re-entering prisoner. From the institutional world of daily dependence on authority, the re-entry becomes a harrowing series of unfamiliar choices. Where distrust is daily prison fare, the prisoner may now live in a community where few, if any, citizens will greet him, help him make decisions and commit to finding a place for this individual as a neighbor, co-worker or friend.

Most prisoners will have given little thought to what awaits them outside the prison's front gate, a widespread result of discredited determinate (mandatory or guideline) sentencing policies that don't require, or care about, long-range future planning for release at all. Maybe someone will be there to pick them up, but for many releasees no one will be at the gate to calm their fears about the dismal prospects ahead of them.

If it isn't already offered, it won't be easy to find affordable housing, jobs, public assistance and other services. Individuals with drug convictions and a history of use will learn they have limited access to social services available even to other individuals with convictions for non-drug crimes.

The impact of continued punishment on the outside adds to the despair and confusion of an individual just released from prison. Laws that partially or permanently discourage good citizenship from ex-felons cannot be supported by evidence or sound policy.

It makes no sense to continue depriving those who have been deprived, and it makes no sense to continue punishing men and women who successfully served their prison sentence.

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The Journey for Justice Song, by Amy, Julie, Jess and Molly: The Heartland Crofters (mP3 Format) -- Visit The Journey For Justice