What Are The Challenges Of An Inmate Returning To Society

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The Challenges of an Inmate Returning to Society Society’s failure to act is creating a devastating effect on America. More and more ex-cons are being released from prisons annually, causing an overload to the federal, and state funded “aftercare” programs. With tightening budgets, and a poor economy, many of these programs are either non-existent or filled to capacity, making them ineffective. Thus the high rate of recidivism. The success of an inmate reentering society and becoming a productive citizen depends highly on proper supervision, viable employment opportunities, and sincere programs to help him/her with alcohol or drug addiction, among other social programs. Most of the neighborhoods plagued by the high rate of incarceration, and recidivism subsequently, look to religious organizations and other non-profit groups to establish these much needed programs to help the inmate returning to society. In some cases, many of these outside entities work in conjunction (partner) with the federal and state agencies. Statistics show that these types of programs are very instrumental in reducing the recidivism rate. …show more content…

(U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs, 2007). Further investigation cites that those statistics are usually associated with the ex-con being unemployed, or not enrolled in any educational or other much needed programs. (Solomon, Waul, Ness, Travis, & Ravitz, 2004). The problem in most urban areas where most ex-cons are released to, is the lack of opportunity in employment, social services, public, and mental health services. These areas are also widely known as high drug traffic areas and laden with criminal activity. (Braga et al., 2009; Katel, 2009; O 'Brien, 2009; Seiter & Kadela, 2003; Zhang et al., 2006). Braga et al. (2009). Making a successful reentry into society, next to

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