Often I am asked what can I do to help? It would appear that many want to make a difference but        don't know Whats really needed. I am listing a few of the problems that should be addressed.

           First we must identify the problems most face upon release and find ways to eliminate them.

• Create long-term employment and housing opportunities:

Future reentry efforts should emphasize not only short-term transitional needs, but also long-term employment and housing opportunities, particularly in the areas of independent living skills training, job skills training (including trade skills and formal education), and the formation of a community housing partnership in order to provide suitable housing with permanency options.

• Extend the Length of Reentry Interventions:

To maximize the benefits that might be derived from a reentry program, the intervention should begin at least six months prior to an offender’s release and continue for at least the same amount of time, but preferably longer (12 months), after his or her release from prison. Extending the duration of the program is consistent not only with the literature regarding effective prisoner reentry, but also with the concept of providing a continuum of care for offenders as they transition from the institution to the community.

• Expand Social Support Involvement:

Given the apparent importance of social support individuals in helping offenders make a successful transition, future reentry efforts should focus on identifying and strengthening offenders’ ties to social support individuals prior to their release from prison.

• Implement Clear Communication Expectations:

Reentry efforts should concentrate on the dissemination of pertinent information to all interested parties, including core partners, stakeholders, participants, and their social support individuals.

• Provide Leadership:

To foster accountability and direction, programs should designate an individual responsible for the overall operations of the project.

• Develop Clear Expectations for Roles and Responsibilities:

      To clarify responsibilities and expected outcomes, formal contracts should be developed with all service providers.

• Develop Service Protocols:

Reentry leadership should develop procedures that create a uniform distribution of services and resources.
Much of this I have culled from other sources, to numerous to list but the message is the same where ever you go