Indicators Of Top-notch Prisoner Reentry Programs

By Deborah Clark


An individual that has been locked up in prison undergoes numerous changes. The changes may, later on, limit their ability to effectively assimilate back into the society after they have been freed. The hard times faced can have serious mental health consequences. Reentry programs nonetheless assist such individuals to get back on their feet. They should be successful for one to enroll. This article outlines the seven features of successful prisoner reentry programs.

An early initiation is desirable. It is vital to look for programs that begin to work with convicts while they are still incarcerated. They should start their work with offenders at such an early period to ensure their smooth integration during the day that one gets released and later on. There are numerous issues that one may have to face outside a prison, and they ought to be prepared. The earlier they initiate their sessions the better and more effective.

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.

Reassessment frameworks should always be available. This is another critical aspect that one should never forget to check. All those schedules that help to shape the lives of ex-offenders for the better mainly focus on identifying and eradicating any side effects they may elicit. Such include the negative aspects that can be associated with the program and may impact a program making its influence limited for an ex-prisoner. Verifying this is therefore essential.

The focus on evidence in the handling of issues. It is critically important to ensure this characteristic at any period that one selects a rehabilitation program. Those which insist on the availability of concrete evidence to prove the success of any work they do is the best. They need to avoid an approach of flying blind where they have no clue as to what makes any program for rehabilitation achieve its objectives.

The avoidance of punishments on the program. A positive program always goes a long way in helping to enhance change for an individual who has been released from jail. They should be encouraged more to change rather than being punished. This includes them being motivated from day to day such that their re-integration is easier and more effective. Methods that focus on punishments have failed to work in the past.

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.




About the Author: