Seven Features Of Successful 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.

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.

Availability of reassessment frameworks. This entails the availability of a framework which allows risks to be assessed and handled with ease. In many instances, the side effects that come with the reentry enrollment are almost never addressed. This is the major reason why the undertakings that keenly assess the recidivism potential have a huge success rate in rehabilitating offenders. One ought to keenly verify this factor at all times.

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.

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.

Benefits that are durable ought to be ensured. This crucial aspect is important and matters. A convict needs to be encouraged to chase a more positive life with the use of goals and a vision.




About the Author: