Re-entry
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filed under:
post release
The challenge to live a successful, crime-free, life on re-entry is enormous. Lack of a place to live, the temptation of old friends are immediate issues encountered by the released prisoner. Christians can provide an important and necessary supportive route back into the community. Making the transition from confinement to community is a daunting process. Sudden freedom may be sweet at first but can quickly become a bitter road leading back to prison. Perhaps the greatest challenge is restoring relationships with loved ones and with the community. The return journey is not one to be taken alone. Navigating the course ahead requires an experienced hand found in faithful friends, spiritual guides, patient mentors and others who have experienced the journey firsthand. Within the safety of accountable relationships secure passage and shores are found. As many ex-offenders have proved, the re-entry path can be a one-way street to a productive crime-free life. The early steps on this journey must be secure. The First 24 hours and Accommodation issues are key areas for support as well as specific considerations for Foreign Prisoners returning to their homelands.
- Lives in Transition (PF Australia-Victoria) Nov 2006
- Summary on the of the Lives in Transition pre and post release programme designed for those inmates approaching the last four to six months of their sentence.
- Core themes in successful Re-Entry (PFI COT) Jan 2010
- A summary of the core elements for successful Re-Entry.
- Key Factors to Avoid Reoffense (PFI COT) 2008
- Evidence reveals that support mechanisms, put in place and operational at the point of release, can significantly mitigate against re-offending. These support mechanisms are described here.
- A Released Prisoner Describes His Journey Back into the Community (PFUSA) Apr 2010
- In this short video a released prisoner tells his own journey of release and resettlement.
- Restorative Reintegration (PF New Zealand) Aug 2008
- PFNZ use a strengths-based approach to look beyond meeting the “needs” of released prisoners (the traditional approach) and ask 'How can we can best help integrate a prisoner and their wider family into the community'.
- Partnership to support released prisoners (PF USA) Mar 2010
- An example of partnership working to support released prisoners.
- Prisoner Reintegration - Back to Churchill (New Zealand) March 2009
- This interesting paper describes three historical approaches to prisoner reintegration.
- Target Communities for Re-Entry support (PF New Zealand) Nov 2009
- PFNZ announces their determined involvement to engage with re-entry.
- Texas Re-Entry Profile (Trends Report PFUSA) Aug 2009
- Some interesting information in this report focusing on re-entry challenges in Texas.
- Church supports the released prisoner (PF Fiji) Mar 2010
- It is never easy for the released prisoner to re-settle in the community. Here is an example of how, with support, one ex-prisoner is making it on the outside.
- Model for Prisoner Re-Entry (PFUSA) Apr 2010
- A good overview and 'How to' document prepared by PF USA.
- Out4Life News Report (WILX USA) Apr 2010
- A brief but encouraging TV news report on PFUSA's Out4Life re-entry conference in Michigan USA. The report includes discussion on the topic of re-entry. Other material on Out4Life can be found on the COT site.
- Out4LIfe News Report (6 News USA) Apr 2010
- An encouraging, brief description from a local TV news report, on PFUSA's 'Out4Life' re-entry conference in Michigan USA. Further material on Out4Life is available on this site.
- Faith-Based Re-Entry Best Practices (USA) Jan 2007
- A useful 'Best Practices Tool-Kit' highlighting faith-based programming and reentry.
- Reentry Toolkit for Faith Based and Community Organisations (USA) 2007
- This toolkit is a promising 'practices guide' for small to medium sized faith-based and community organizations interested in starting or enhancing their re-entry efforts.
- Effectiveness of Prisoner Re-Entry (NCJRS-USA) Nov 2008
- This study examines the extent to which targeted support services reduces recidivism and homelessness following release.
- Exploring Inmate Re-Entry (USA) Dec 2008
- A report looking at the impact of re-entry for short-term prisoners.
- Reducing recidivism among sexual offenders (INSOMM USA) Sep 2009
- This report descibes the low recidivism rate for sex offenders who received treatment through the programme.
- Women's perceptions of reintegration (Canada) May 2008
- This report focuses on women offenders’ perceptions who had been living back in the community for at least a year.
- When the Gates Open (P/PV) 2005
- This report focuses on the issue of high volumes of released prisoners and how they threaten already vulnerable communities.
- Re-Entry Issues for Women (Urban Institute USA) June 2009
- On re-entry, women face significant and specific challenges, especially with substance abuse. This report discusses those topics.
- Re-Entry for Indigenous Young People (State of NSW Australia) Feb 2009
- This report focuses attention on the increasing challenge of how to help young people from indigenous groups resettle after prison.
- Keeping in touch after release (PF Northern Ireland) Jul 2010
- An example of a drop-in centre where released prisoners can re-connect with staff and volunteers they met whilst in prison.
- Re-Entry Issues (Urban Institute) May 2009
- A study of the biggest personal and environmental challenges facing returning prisoners.
- Re_Entry curriculum for indigenous minority prisoners (Hawai'i) Sep 2009
- This currculum, although specific to the circumstances in Hawai'i, can inform Re-Entry topics for any minority group prisoners, particularly indigenous groups.
- Helping inmates return to the community (Health & Human Services USA) Aug 2001
- This article is written for Corrections, but contains much useful information for community based organisations.
- Youth ReEntry - Best Practices (USA) Nov 2009
- This report considers the best practices in youth re-entry.
- Successful Re-entry (URBAN) 2009
- This document describes the specific elements that together embody thoughtful and effective prisoner release procedures, including considerations such as photo identification, transportation, gate money, public assistance access, prescription drug needs...and more
- Mapping where released prisoners settle (URBAN) 2006
- An example of mapping where prisoners settle after release in order to identify local support agencies.
- Supporting Released Prisoners in the Community (PF Scotland) Jul 2010
- This is a great example of a community based project run by PF Scotland which supports released prisoners.
- Criminology Research Council (Australia)
- A site containing a number of relevant studies on prisoner reintegration and post release factors.
- Successful re-entry self assessment tool for corrections (URBAN) Jan 2010
- A self-assessment tool to help Corrections identify and improve their pre-release programmes and procedures.
- Government Re-entry commitment commended (Scoop New Zealand) Oct 2009
- A report detailing PFNZ's commendation of the Government for their re-thinking on crime and punishment.
- Christian Association for Prison Aftercare (USA)
- The Christian Association for Prison Aftercare (CAPA) advocates, inspires, encourages and educates those who bring good out of incarceration and its aftermath.
- Re-Entry National Ministry Outreach (USA) 2009
- A resource rich site with materials on many aspects of prisoner reentry.
- Preparing to re-enter society (Guardian Trinidad and Tobago) Aug 2009
- This news article begins, "It is crucial for the Prison Service and penal systems to focus on rehabilitation and re-integration because of the substantial number of crimes committed by repeat offenders."
- Re-Entry Jail and Prison Ministry (USA) 2009
- With a vision to help released prisoners mature in their faith, Re-Entry Prison and Jail Ministry (RPJM) provides resources for inmates who are re-entering society in San Diego County, Califonia, USA.
- Reengineering ReEntry (USA)
- A information-rich section from the National Council on Crime And Delinquency (US)
- Exodus Transitional Community (New York USA)
- This model is designed to provide the support formerly incarcerated individuals need to work through their own wilderness.
- Journey Home Project (Wisconsin State Journal) Sep 2009
- A desciption of a project which helps former prisoners find work, secure housing, go back to school and get drug, alcohol or mental health treatment.
- National Re-Entry Resource Centre (USA)
- The Resource Center provides assistance to the prisoner reentry field. It provides education, training, and technical assistance to service providers, including nonprofit organizations, working on prisoner reentry.
- The First 24 hours
- From the moment the prisoner leaves through the prison gate they are vulnerable. Planned, practical, active support during the first 24 hours after release will help establish a pattern for crime-free living. Information and examples will encourage the church to provide this caring, supportive, service
- Accommodation
- Many prisoners lose contact with their family or choose not to return to the area where they once lived. They need accommodation on release from prison. Examples and practical advice encourages Christians to engage in the provision of this urgent and important issue. Food and shelter, the basic necessities of life, are a primary concern as the released ex-offender stands at the prison gate. Before counseling, skill development, or other services reach effectiveness, it is these essentials that need immediate attention. Shelters are a temporary solution lasting a few days to perhaps a week. Family, as well, may be a short-lived solution as strained relations limit the duration of stay. Better yet, halfway houses have proven to be an effective safe haven to focus on the ex-offender’s physical, emotional, and vocational needs. Other care alternatives, are church members and concerned friends who open their homes until employment or other arrangements are found.
- Repatriation of Foreign Prisoners
- Repatriation of prisoners to their country of citizenship is a growing practice around the world. Many of these prisoners have lived in their host country for many years, possibly most of their lives. They may have little or no contact with people in their country of origin. Prison Fellowship International is uniquely positioned with its worldwide network of affiliates to provide information and practical support for the specialised needs of this group of released prisoners
