Reentry Archives - PROBATION INFORMATION NETWORK

New Reentry Guides

Check out our newest reentry guides Reentry Education Guide Education is a cornerstone of success and can broaden your opportunities upon reentry. It will assist you in becoming more employable, provide access to more resources, and give you a sense of personal fulfillment. Pursuing your GED or HiSET, certification or trade programs, and higher education are all possible both while still in custody and post-incarceration. www.probationinfo.org/reentry-education-guide Reentry Employment Guide Obtaining employment is important when it comes to a successful reentry and will help you become financially stable, self-sufficient, and have a sense of belonging amongst your community. This Reentry Employment Guide includes job training and job search resources; tips for cover letters, resumes, and job interviews; employer benefits of hiring justice-impacted individuals; entrepreneurship details; and record clearing resources. …

Guide to Trade Careers for Formerly Incarcerated People

Guide to Trade Careers for Formerly Incarcerated People PrimeWeld offers this guide to why returning citizens should consider a career in the trades. The guide includes advice for formerly incarcerated people to reenter the workforce and their community successfully, what to look for in a trade school or career, and advice on reentry assistance programs that might be available. There’s also an overview of different trade career paths to consider and additional resources on mentoring. They discuss programs designed to help justice involved individuals get started in careers in welding, HVAC, construction, electrician, plumber, and wind turbine technician. Check it out here: https://primeweld.com/blogs/news/trade-careers-for-formerly-incarcerated-people

Sex Offender Registry Requirements Across the United States

What is the Sex Offender Registry? Every state and U.S. territory requires those convicted of sex offenses to be added to a registry to be monitored and tracked after their release back into the community. Information about the offender is collected and shared with local and federal authorities, as well as the general public. Requirements and restrictions are often placed on registered sex offenders. That registration process is unique in each state and U.S. territory. What is SORNA? The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) was passed in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act to provide federal standards for jurisdictions to follow. SORNA calls for states and U.S. territories to meet minimum requirements for sex offender registration and notification. Why Are the Requirements for Sex Offender Registration Different Everywhere? While SORNA’s guidelines s…

Prison Reentry Checklist Infographic

Prison Reentry Checklist Infographic Check out our Prison Reentry Checklist in a new, shareable Infographic. Coming home from prison, while a positive move, can be an overwhelming experience. Not only will you be adjusting to your new surroundings and routine, depending on how long you were away you may also have to adjust to changes within your family and social network, advances in technology, and changes in societal norms. It is important to have a support system in place and to rely on them when necessary. Those who love you want to see you succeed in your new life and will help you navigate this transition. Download, print, and share the pdf here: Infographic Prison Reentry Checklist

The Perfect Reentry Plan

The Perfect Reentry Plan By Kelli R. - Research Intern Everyone needs a second chance at least once in a single lifetime. A second chance is effort amongst both parties ready to tackle the next steps together. Second chances require responsibility, accountability, and effort. Reentry to the real world after prison happens to be one of the most difficult parts of the whole process. It is time to make the reentry process a smooth transition back into the world. Throughout this writing assignment I will be discussing present issues as well as proposals for solutions inside the reentry program. The main things that will be discussed are housing after reentry, employment after reentry, substance abuse and recidivism, and other reentry risks that seem necessary to address. When discussing reentry plans it is important to review every angle and go with the best option for everyone especially the offender. Housing is one of the most difficult parts of the reentry process. Housin…

The Redemption Project

The Redemption Project Do you have a family member or loved one incarcerated in Minnesota? Do you worry that their incarceration will affect their chances of ever finding meaningful employment? There is hope. The Redemption Project works with select Minnesota prison facilities to provide inmates with education and mentoring opportunities while incarcerated and help them secure meaningful employment upon release. They utilize a three-stage process – Educate, Advocate, and Support – to guide their participants through a successful reentry. Visit www.redemptionproject.org to learn more. For other reentry resources available nation-wide and in Minnesota visit probationinfo.org/reentry-resources.

Reentry After Solitary Confinement

Reentry After Solitary Confinement By Connor H. - Research Intern While the transition for any offender is one that is full of challenges and barriers that they have to work through to be successful after being incarcerated, there is a group of inmates that have to deal with an entirely different set of challenges. This group is the offenders who have had to serve some portion of their time in solitary confinement. At any level of incarceration, solitary confinement is primarily used to punish disobedient inmates by housing them alone for 23 hours a day. There are two reasons why being in solitary confinement has a greater set of challenges than those who served time in general housing, the first is the mental effects solitary confinement has on a person the other is the deterioration of social skills. Both of these attributes are vital to an offender being successful after serving time and are greatly hindered when a person is isolated for extended amounts of time. …

Federal Bonding Program

The Federal Bonding Program One of the primary challenges for returning citizens is finding a job because employers often view ex-offenders as risky hires. The Federal Bonding Program works to encourage employers to give returning citizens a chance by offering bonds for at-risk job applicants, including justice-involved individuals. What is it? The US Department of Labor created the Federal Bonding Program in 1966 to encourage employers to hire potentially risky job seekers. Since then, over 52,000 at-risk job seekers have been bonded, giving a hiring incentive and peace of mind to the employers. How does it work? The FBP bonds guarantee reimbursement for the employer in the case of any loss due to employee theft. They can range in value from $5,000 to $25,000 and cover the first six months of the bonded individual’s employment at no cost to the employer. These bonds can be used for any job in the U.S. Applying for jobs with a criminal record can be stressful bu…

Prison Release Hotline

Prison Release Hotline Empowering Men and Women on The Move for Re-Entry, Inc. is a supportive housing program in Metro Atlanta for men who have been incarcerated. They recently added a prison release hotline for men to connect with Fulton County services, including: Employment/Career Apprenticeship Temporary Housing Medical SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps) Substance Treatment Behavioral Health Counseling Mentoring Social Security Benefits (404) 654-0407

CHARG.org – Mental Health Resource

CHARG.org - Mental Health Resource Since 1983, the prison custody population in Colorado has increased over 500% with over 35,000 Colorado residents incarcerated in various kinds of facilities. With the vast amount of broad information, it can be increasingly difficult for an individual in the justice process or their loved ones to find the correct information and resources that they need to adequately readjust to life in the real world. CHARG Resource Center provides mental health support, homeless outreach, and more at various locations around Denver. If you or a loved one has been incarcerated and could use help, visit https://www.charg.org/ to see the resources available.

Reentry Resources – Texas

Reentry Resources — Texas With over 700,000 Texas residents navigating the criminal justice system across 254 counties, it can be very hard for justice-involved individuals and their loved ones to find the reentry resources they need. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice recognizes this issue and compiled a massive document full of various resources by Texas county. It has resources for topics such as substance abuse, housing, mental health, medical care, and much more. It provides addresses, contact information, website addresses, and comments about each resource. Having access to such resources is essential to those in need of help when returning home from prison. Texans, if you or a loved one has been incarcerated, click on the link and see all the resources available. https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/documents/rid/RID_Reentry_Resource_Guide.pdf For more reentry resources available in Texas and across the US, explore our Reentry Resources page.

Annuity.org – Financial Education

Resource Spotlight: Annuity.org Annuity.org is an online financial education center providing carefully researched, and timely financial information. The free, comprehensive web resource provides professional insight from experienced financial experts on a variety of financial topics, in hopes of helping you make educated financial decisions. Men and women recently released from prison often face an entirely new set of challenges, especially when it comes to finances. Annuity.org is here to help you navigate those financial challenges. With resources ranging from general financial literacy education, to long term financial topics such as income annuities. Other topics explained include saving and investing, personal finance basics, retirement planning, veteran resources, and more. Taking the initiative to self-educate and grow your financial knowledge is important, and can contribute to your success after release!