Seven Elements Of Effective Prisoner Reentry Programs

By Deborah Clark


The experience of being imprisoned can change an individual, which then means that their re-integration into the society, later on, will be hard. A prisoner gets a difficult period trying to assimilate into the society after they have been released, especially due to the hardships faced in prison. Re-integration programs can assist such individuals but only if they are effective. Below are the indicators of top-notch prisoner reentry programs.

Early initiation. This is an aspect that ought to be prioritized when categorizing a prisoner reentry program. There are numerous issues that ex-offenders deal with and the help they get should start even before they are released. This ensures that one can easily be helped to adjust to the society by the time they are released. They will be assisted to adjust their mentalities towards life as well as easily secure jobs when they come out of prison.

Treating the people assisted as clients and not offenders. This quality largely relates to the method in which the people involved in running the program approach ex-offenders. It is always important for them to be viewed as individuals with problems and each person handled according to their specific needs. They should know that each offender has unique aspects and the risk levels should never be generalized. The needs are diverse.

The schedules need to have various reassessment frameworks. It is very essential for a reentry program to have its keen focus being the provision of the best frameworks. Key to this is constant reassessment which entails having to ensure that the offenders are assisted to better shape their lives. Since recidivism can have negative effects it is very important for the program to ensure that it does not have any. Only constant reassessment can ensure this.

The program should place a huge priority in seeking evidence. It is vital to ensure this aspect since it indicates that a program values the impact it has. This in the main entails having to focus on getting the evidence that their methods have a positive impact on those they deal with. Assumptions are as such avoided and the methods used will be those that have been proven to have a high success rate.

Positive support offered without a focus on punishments. Recidivism is encouraged by programs that focus on punishments. The harsh and punitive approach leads to the offenders being encouraged onto the negative path. This is opposite of what the major goal of the rehabilitation program is, and therefore one should look for those that prioritize on positive motivation. It helps the ex-offenders want to change permanently.

Partnerships ought to be available since they provide a strong framework. This critical aspect is also essential for one to verify and as such one should check it with keenness. Mainly, it entails having to verify that a program is linked with numerous other beneficial organizations. Issues are easily handled in such a manner that may be too difficult for one organization to handle.

Focus on the long-term benefits. There is a huge need for ex-prisoners to be assisted to change their lives for the better. This includes them having to be helped with shaping up a vision and life goals.




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