Prisoners' Lives after Incarceration

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Recommended: Effective rehabilitation programs in prison

According to N.C Aizenman of The Washington Post, “More than one in 100 adults in the United States is in jail or prison, an all-time high that is costing state governments nearly $50 billion a year and the federal government $5 billion more.” (Aizenman). But do we, as American citizens, ever consider how incarceration affects those who are released back into society? Many former prisoners face dire circumstances once released, such as finding gainful employment, housing, or reconnecting with friends and family members.
During the impact of the recession, many individuals with degrees and no criminal record are facing tough times finding employment, so what does this mean for those that have been incarcerated? "It's twice or three times as hard as it is for people with a criminal background to find employment due to our economy, because they're going up against people who have no barriers," said Terence Jackson, director of access services for Pikes Peak Workforce Center (qtd. in Cotter), In this case, individuals that have a criminal record have to be on top of staying on the resumes or job applications that they put out, versus just sitting back and waiting for a call back like many others can do without the affects of prior incarceration holding them back. It will not be easy, but it is possible, as long as the individual is pro-active in their search for employment(Cotter). Also, start by talking to your prospective employer about your criminal convictions in advance, to test the waters to see if they would be willing to entertain the idea of hiring an ex-convict. When it comes to the subject of employment, in today’s time with the job market being as it is, ex-convict’s job applications or resumes will of course fall to ...

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Cotter, Barbara. "Job-seeking ex-cons encouraged to overcome odds." Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) 11 Nov. 2010: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Freudenberg, Nicholas. "Coming Home From Jail." American Jails 20.4 (2006): 9. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Michel, Martin. "Study: Ex-Offenders Free From Prison, But Mired In Poverty." Tell Me More (NPR) (n.d.): Points of View Reference Center. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Ray Sanders, Bob. "Hard costs of lock-'em-up culture." Winnipeg Free Press (MB) 09 Oct. 2010: H13. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Richard A. Lewisfellowicf, International. "Barriers To Re-Entry For Ex-Convicts." FDCH Congressional Testimony (n.d.): Points of View Reference Center. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.
Sturges, Judith E. "Ignored Victims." American Jails 21.3 (2007): 9. MasterFILE Complete. Web. 16 Nov. 2013.

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