As we examine the recent Supreme Court Decisions we question what effect this will have on the most underserved population. Since most ex-offenders have little if any money, own no businesses,struggle to find employment and a place to live the decision that cooperate america can now fund our politicians insures that more prisons are on the horizon.

On the other hand it means that those who are incarcerated or recently released should find  ways to obtain the necessary training to survive for with the job market being what it is the competition is stiffer.

Derek,

Thanks for visiting our site and in response to your question; "prisons are a business that provide employment to large numbers of people. They employ inmate labor to produce materials which is then sold to the public at reduced prices since they are able to pay inmates a pittance for their labor." Please read the 13th amendment


Amendment XIII (1865)

Section 1.

Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

Section 2.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation
 


Now let's take into consideration that for every offender released back into society several service providers are needed. For everyone returned to prison the courts and other legal services are needed.so once there the cycle begins anew.




What's  really needed is a way to reduce the recidivist rate.

Prisoner re-entry is a process under the best of circumstances and our country is now in enduring the worse climate known to any who might be re-entering society from prisons. Your questions prompt much thought for many are being released without proper skills to navigate the  system once free. The challenges mentioned are real and long lasting and in todays political climate ex-offenders should be prepared to face and overcome obstacles. The path is long and arduous. I would first suggest that before release from prison an effort be made to find resources in the community to help build resumes and teach the soft skills necessary to survive upon release. The  most important is that one has to know that competition is stiff in todays job market and prepare himself/herself educationally prior to leaving prison and if released prior to obtaioning the necessary skills, one must take advantange of all programs who promote themselves as being ex-offender friendly


Re-Entry is an interesting concept. How does one establish or re-establish life after release when there are job challenges (no work record, poor educational background, loaded questions on applications and the recession), educational barriers such as no financial aid if a drug conviction, no family ties or families so financial strapped that help is virtually impossible. How does one change their life once they have a felony conviction. Most importantly, how do they survive and not turn back to what looks like the only door available - their old life? My son is trying to stay positive, is there help?

Many returning from prisons to society generally lack the proper education and training to be successful. It is up to us to find ways to provide the necessary tools for them to survive. We imprison and release with the expectation that since one has been confined behaviors have changed. Some have and some haven't but when one returns to society he/she needs housing, clothing,employment and a support system. If he/she hasn't been given tools then how can society reasonable expect one to live a life differently than lived previously.

Thanks Charles for logging in. Feel free to send the site out to all your friends and associates who might have an interest in ex-offenders.

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