REENTRY: COMING HOMEBecause of the numerous problems and harmful stereotypes they face, people with a criminal justice background are one of the most disadvantaged groups in the country. They are unable to reintegrate into society successfully due to issues such as obtaining an education, finding a job, obtaining affordable housing, receiving substance abuse treatment, receiving healthcare, and connecting with their family.
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Access to EducationIndividuals involved in the justice system are frequently in need of educational services after they are released. Those individuals are usually the victims of a failing public education system and became apart of a “school to prison pipeline” that severely limits their future opportunities and increases their chances of returning to crime.
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Barriers to EmploymentFormerly incarcerated jobseekers face difficulties entering the workforce. In addition to addressing competing lifestyle demands such as addiction, homelessness, and health concerns, they must simultaneously develop key job skills in a rapidly changing job market. There are well-documented biases against employing people with criminal records. Our participants desperately require assistance to acquire and maintain living wage employment.
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Family ImpactDuring their release, individuals seeking safety and justice may immediately try to reconnect with their families. Incarceration frequently separates offenders from their loved ones, discouraging them from visiting or communicating with their families. Because jails and prisons are generally located far from their homes, mothers and fathers are frequently separated from their children. Nearly half (47%) of the approximately 1.25 million people in state prison are parents of minor children, and about 1 in 5 (19%) of those children is age 4 or younger. Family reunification is a critical component of criminal justice reform. Bonds provide critical support systems for formerly incarcerated people as they reenter society.
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HomelessnessThe difficulty of locating affordable housing is another barrier that formerly incarcerated individuals must confront. Researchers have found that homelessness and incarceration are strongly linked. Justice involved families are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public.
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