Helping Individuals Adjust to Life After Jail

To increase public safety within our communities, and lessen the financial strain on taxpayers, providing support to help previously incarcerated individuals adjust to life after jail is critical. This will help ease the effects of recidivism on society, improve communities, and benefit those looking for a fresh start.

This Second Chance Month, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of criminal convictions and their consequences, consider why reentry programs are important for individuals formerly incarcerated. Also, as part of unlocking second-chance opportunities, look at steps to help with adjusting to life after jail, how we can assist in lowering recidivism rates within communities, and why it is important to be supportive and provide second chances.

Why Are Reentry Programs Important?

Over 67% of state and federal prisoners are likely to be rearrested within three years of their release, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The effects of recidivism on society are troublesome. Not only does this put a strain on our country’s jail and prison systems, but it also damages our communities, as there is more crime, victims, and the financial burden for taxpayers skyrockets. 

In addition to taxpayer expenses, there is also the fact these people are no longer in the workforce, which has negative consequences for local economies. Someone who is incarcerated is not working at the local movie theater or eating in community restaurants. Essentially, they have transitioned from being a community member to becoming a burden to others.

Further, many formerly incarcerated individuals face “collateral consequences” of punishment. Many cannot vote or get a driver’s license. They face barriers to employment and are prohibited from living with the families who want them back — all because they have a criminal record.

When communities and their inhabitants work together and provide helpful resources, formerly incarcerated individuals are better able to overcome obstacles they face upon reentering society. Beyond it being the decent thing to do, wouldn’t you prefer to see former inmates get decent jobs, rent apartments and stay out of trouble, instead of ending up behind bars again within three years? This begs the question: how do we come together to lower recidivism rates? 

How to Lower Recidivism Rates

For those adjusting to life after jail, four things are key to easing the effects of recidivism on society throughout our communities:

• A safe, stable home
• Steady employment
• Drug-free environments
• Continuing education and easy access to resources

While there is a stigma associated with affordable housing units in some communities, the reality is affordable housing typically helps revitalize and integrate lower-income communities while providing a helping hand to residents. With access to affordable housing, formerly incarcerated individuals can focus more on savings while feeling less financial strain. This can reduce stress and help them avoid relapses or falling back into bad habits stemming from desperation.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, programming that provides support targeting corruptive needs, such as cognitive behavior therapy and other types of continuing education opportunities, helps improve mental health while reducing recidivism risk. This process can start while individuals are incarcerated, but it should continue within communities upon release.

While jobs can help with providing access to prescription drugs and healthcare, communities can offer additional resources to help with adjusting to life after jail which include: counseling and job placement services, career training, libraries, public transportation, and affordable access to basic technological services, like the internet.

Why Providing Second Chances Matters

According to Prison Fellowship, approximately 70 million Americans have a criminal record. That is a staggering figure given there are roughly 330 million total Americans, including about 73 million children. 

It is important to hold criminals accountable for their crimes. However, they should not have to face additional hurdles just to rejoin society once their debt has been paid. Everyone has value, and there is dignity in providing opportunities to those who successfully complete their sentences and want to contribute to society in meaningful ways. By helping them do so, it also helps ease the burden for taxpayers, since fewer people would wind up incarcerated again in the future.

Second Chance Month

Second Chance Month, an awareness effort spearheaded by Prison Fellowship, has been observed in the United States since 2017 after members of Congress passed a resolution. It is meant to raise awareness of the consequences of criminal conviction and to provide opportunities for previously incarcerated individuals who have successfully completed their sentences.

How HomeWAV Helps

Access to communication tools while incarcerated can help individuals prepare for reentry into society. By providing video calls and other digital tools within jails and prisons, inmates become more integrated with the outside world. HomeWAV offers safe, cost-effective, and convenient visitation options for incarcerated individuals to speak with friends and loved ones. We bridge the gap and aim to help ease the effects of recidivism on society. View our FAQ resource for additional information.