Prisoners Reentry Programs, Essay Example

Prisoners reentry process implicates the use of various programs which are aimed at encourage the effective reintegration of offenders back to their communities and society in whole after they are released from prison. The general goal of reentry programs is to help inmates recover in the society, thus to acquire necessary skills and behavior in order to become law-abiding citizens and succeed in the community. As of today, many programs are successfully implemented to the reentry process, involving drug rehabilitation, prerelease programs, vocational training etc. President’s Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI) is established to supply state units with funds for developing and implementing institutional and community corrections-based reentry programs. PRI benefits the society ensuring a large number of returning non-violent prisoners, thus reducing recidivism and assisting ex-inmates in job look up. PRI ensures the development of system of reentry programs that start in correctional institutions and continue all the way to offender’s stabilization in the society. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) of the Office of Justice Program (OJP) cooperated with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in order to dispense and manage PRI grants.

Inmates appear to face lots of challenges and when entering the community after spending a decent time in jail. One of the most remarkable obstacles would be finding an appropriate housing, finding employment, possible health and mental problems etc. Meanwhile, lots of programs have been implemented in order to assist inmates when they reenter the community. However, not enough attention is given to inmates returning to rural areas, thus leaving them out to cope with possible difficulties on their own.

References

Lynch, J. P., & Sabol, W. J. (2001). Prisoner reentry perspective. Urban Institute: Crime Policy Report, 3.