|
Get Involved: Facilitating Reentry |
 |
 |
|
Friday, 12 March 2010 00:00 |
|
Former prisoners often face many barriers to reentry. Gaps in work history and lack of education make it difficult to find a job, which in turn makes it hard to pay for basic expenses. Below are some examples of ways you might be able to help.
- Find out what kinds of educational opportunities and mental health services are available in the prison near you and support initiatives to continue or expand these services. Helping prisoners get their GED and deal with issues such as substance abuse before they are released better prepares them to reintegrate into society.
- Support programs in your community that provide educational services, job skills training (and placement assistance), counseling, support for former substance abusers, and assistance with food and housing. Perhaps you can donate the computers needed for a computer training course or volunteer your time or professional services to help a person get his or her GED or receive counseling. Maybe you can partner with a local organization, for instance as an employer who is able to help people gain job experience.
- Let local and state officials know that you support reentry efforts. Elected officials do not want to appear “soft on crime” and need to know that you support rehabilitative programs.
|