Offenders and Reentry to the Community - Roadblocks and Support for Offenders

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Apr 3, 2024

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Offenders and Reentry to the Community: Roadblocks and Support for Offenders There is a heightened prevalence of individuals who are incarcerated. The ongoing challenge associated with incarcerated individuals commonly referred to as offenders becomes increasingly problematic upon their release from the jail or prison system. This paper seeks to examine offenders and their reentry to society, particularly reentry to their community. Challenges and roadblocks readily experienced by offenders who are reentering their community will be explored in more detail. In addition to examining the roadblocks upon reentry, this paper will investigate the support offenders receive as they reenter into their respective communities. A meticulous assessment of the roadblocks and support offenders experience when they reenter into the community, will help identify areas of improvement that will aid in ensuring offenders have a smooth transition upon reentry to the community thereby reducing their risk of recidivism. Offenders encounter various roadblocks as they seek reentry to the community upon their release from prison. Upon their release, all offenders experience the stigma associated with being incarcerated; however, offenders who are charged with felonies are the most stigmatized (Morenoff and Harding 413). In addition to the jail or prison time served, offenders encounter other consequences associated with their incarceration. Rules, legislation, and statutes exclude offenders from receiving economic, political, and social assistance (Morenoff and Harding 413). Offenders are banned from voting and receiving public assistance (Morenoff and Harding 413). Laws prohibit offenders, particularly offenders with felonies, from getting certain job opportunities (Morenoff and Harding 413). McLuhan et al. (2) further posit that another roadblock affecting offender reentry to the community involves low levels of education, formal training, and skills. Due to the poor prospect of obtaining legal employment needed to sustain a living, offenders often return to partaking in illegal activities for monetary gain (Morenoff and

Harding 413-414). These problems are further exacerbated among offenders returning to poor urban communities. Minorities from poor urban communities who were previously incarcerated are disproportionately affected by pre-existing socioeconomic and racial inequalities (Morenoff and Harding 411-412). Research findings also revealed the significance of roadblocks caused by offenders’ health problems and their limited access or lack thereof access to healthcare. Prior to, during, or following their incarceration, offenders experience chronic mental health problems, physical health conditions, and substance use issues (Hyde et al. 2). When these health-related problems (mental health issues, medical conditions, and substance use issues) go unaddressed, offenders are at a greater risk of engaging in criminal behavior and activities, homelessness, unemployment, and premature death (Hyde et al. 2). Health needs also go completely unaddressed or encounter limited engagement relative to behavioral health and physical health care due to the lack of health coverage (Hyde et al. 2). Such roadblocks stem from the challenges involved with offenders’ inexperience with routine healthcare services (behavioral health, mental health, or physical health) and previous negative experiences with social services (Hyde et al. 2). Poor behavioral, mental, and physical health adversely affect offenders’ ability to gain employment, which significantly reduces one’s ability to meet basic needs such as income and to secure safe, long-term housing (Hyde et al. 2; Morenoff and Harding 411-412). Many offenders prioritized income and housing over their treatment needs for their mental health, physical health, and substance use issues (Hyde et al. 2). Despite the roadblocks many offenders face upon reentry to the community following their release, offenders partake in rehabilitation programs. Rehabilitation programs aim to promote the successful reintegration of offenders into the community thus reducing the risk of

recidivism (Morenoff and Harding 414). Reentry planning is another way in which to support offenders. Reentry planning helps offenders with initial housing and transportation out of the correctional facility (Hyde et al. 2). Offenders who need emotional and social support were provided a list of available resources upon their release (Hyde et al. 2). Post-incarceration engagement (PIE) intervention used peer specialists to ensure a successful transition following imprisonment (Hyde et al. 8). Peer specialists assisted offenders in completing their paperwork for housing and varying resources (Hyde et al. 8). Of the 43 offenders studied, 88% received transportation services from jail or prison and 91% received other services (Hyde et al. 8). Support for offenders upon reentry to the community also helped expand their access to healthcare resources. A group comprised of a total of 17 healthcare clinics, the Transitions Clinic Networks, focused on increasing offenders' access to and use of healthcare services upon reentry to the community (Hyde et al. 2). The Transitions Clinic Networks also used case management to help support offenders and reduce their use of the emergency department (Hyde et al. 2). A cost-effective form of support for offenders came in the form of integrated service hubs used to facilitate collaboration and sharing of resources to improve offenders' access to community care (McLuhan et al. 3). Service hubs provide one place in which offenders can connect to a continuum of care, which is best when offenders suffer from complex health problems, mental health issues, social issues, and substance use problems (McLuhan et al. 3). Peers are also of significance in supporting offenders who reenter the community following their release from jail or prison. Peer support workers in transitional service models help enroll offenders in education and training programs and assist with housing placement, employment, and access to treatment (McLuhan et al. 3). Peer-led service hubs enhance the provision of immediate support to help meet the basic needs of each offender through service

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