I recently attended a conference (The New Inequalities) describing some of the causes of incarceration.  I was extremely impressed with the presentations for it seemed as if each I heard had a real grasp on the realities many are faced with.  One, Bruce Western, was particularly sharp for he identified not only some of the problems dealt with but possible solutions.

My question is we know many of these things already so what are the next steps? When will offenders began receiving  the necessary education and training to find or create employment opportunities once released from prison? Most released have done some type of work while incarcerated. When will certifications be awarded showing the work done while incarcerated? Especially since we know what it takes to cook in the officers mess or to be a clerk anywhere in prison. You must be the best of the best. What about those janitorial positions? Who strips floors better? The plumbers, carpenters, electricians who provide the infrastructure that hold most prisons together.  With these specialized skills they can’t find employment once released.

Since there Is no union for ex-offenders  what can be done to bring awareness to the plight one faces upon release? How can the ex-offender find viable employment doing what he/she knows to do without returning to a life of crime or prison? Are ex-offenders released just to provide employment for parole/probation officers and other service providers who only wait to document the fact that another has returned to prison?

Are these Inequalities Really New?

What are the NEXT STEPS?