New York article by STEVEN GREENHOUSE
On January 24,2011 Steven Greenhouse published in the New York Times an article identifying some of the problems ex-offenders know to be fact. He mentions the monies released by congress to aid the successful re-entry of ex-offenders. Overall an extremely thought provoking article which begs questions as to how and where the dollars go/went and what are the results.
Personally I think the governments often with the best of intentions releases money that helps everyone with the exception of the ex-offender. Read my blog,The New Inequalities. When preparing for release from prison offenders began doing all they can to prepare for a successful re-entry. They attend all the classes, talk to all the people coming into the prison who tell them they can/will assist them upon release. He/She envisions returning to society having paid their debt and putting all they have learned into action. Reuniting the family comes first but before that can become a reality they must find employment. Many have attended college and obtained a degree or certificate while incarcerated. The dream is "I made a mistake, paid my debt and can now be treated as the average citizen." This is where the dream becomes a NIGHTMARE.
Upon release he/she begins to make the rounds to all those who get paid to help. First among them, the parole officer who lays out all the things you must do and not do in order to not be violated and returned to prison. Next comes the family and arranging a place to stay. The family is skeptical because although the love might be there, they are dealing with their personal problems. They want to help but our country's present financial crisis has touched every level of society.They often can't do more than offer a temporary place to stay.
Knowing finding employment is a real priority, he/she takes diploma and certificates in hand and begins the rounds dealing with rejection unbowed, at every turn being told they aren't hiring. The family is asking "what are you going to do?" The pressures build and one begins to wonder "where is that second chance we hear so much about?" Does one have to be a star athlete or wealthy for society to really give a second chance? Many didn't have the first chance.
Personally I think the governments often with the best of intentions releases money that helps everyone with the exception of the ex-offender. Read my blog,The New Inequalities. When preparing for release from prison offenders began doing all they can to prepare for a successful re-entry. They attend all the classes, talk to all the people coming into the prison who tell them they can/will assist them upon release. He/She envisions returning to society having paid their debt and putting all they have learned into action. Reuniting the family comes first but before that can become a reality they must find employment. Many have attended college and obtained a degree or certificate while incarcerated. The dream is "I made a mistake, paid my debt and can now be treated as the average citizen." This is where the dream becomes a NIGHTMARE.
Upon release he/she begins to make the rounds to all those who get paid to help. First among them, the parole officer who lays out all the things you must do and not do in order to not be violated and returned to prison. Next comes the family and arranging a place to stay. The family is skeptical because although the love might be there, they are dealing with their personal problems. They want to help but our country's present financial crisis has touched every level of society.They often can't do more than offer a temporary place to stay.
Knowing finding employment is a real priority, he/she takes diploma and certificates in hand and begins the rounds dealing with rejection unbowed, at every turn being told they aren't hiring. The family is asking "what are you going to do?" The pressures build and one begins to wonder "where is that second chance we hear so much about?" Does one have to be a star athlete or wealthy for society to really give a second chance? Many didn't have the first chance.
Why doesn't society turn to the real professionals, those who have been there and know what it takes first hand to survive and not return to prison? Why can't those same dollars used to hire parole officers, correctional officers and build prisons be utilized to provide employment opportunities for the parolees? Who teaches individuals the life skills necessary to deal with a totally new set of mores? Why is it that the monies continue to be given to those organizations who have received it for the past twenty (20) years with no measurable success? Where is the accountability and when will it change?
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An interesting scheme. But New York is a tough city. And noone promised that it is going to be easy.
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