Reentry should start before release, but it rarely does.
Up to 60 and 75 percent of former inmates are unemployed within a year of release. This finding is according to a survey by the National Institute of Justice. It is not a secret that employment discrimination occurs, especially when one has a criminal record. So much so, that President Obama implemented a “ban the box” regulation in 2016, in reference to disclosing the status of a criminal record on a job application.
Efforts to get formerly incarcerated people to work are essential to the success of the reentry process. Sophie Whitin, of the New York State Council on Community Reentry and Reintegration says getting a job is a step to normalcy for formerly incarcerated people.
“When they get out, there are a lot of institutions they are excluded from. They can feel like they are a subclass. A job is a way to get back into society,” Whitin said.
There are many reentry programs available for former inmates to use as resources to get back on their feet. Many are solely focused on employment and entrepreneurial endeavors. And maybe with the implementation of banning the box, the high rate of unemployment may be reduced.
But many reentry programs focus on the inmates return to society after they are already released from prison. What steps are in place to prepare them while they are still incarcerated?
This is the question from Hearken user, Akeem Morrow.
A formerly incarcerated woman, Kathy Morse says none. Especially not for women.
“There are programs like Fortune Society and Exodus but how they operate is you come see us when you get out. We don’t go to you.”
Fortune Society’s website states they have a pre-release program on Rikers Island that prepares men and women for release and support after. The I-CAN program is at Rikers Island facility and Fortune Society plans to expand the program to prisons throughout New York City.
Morse, who spent time in Rikers and upstate facilities on embezzlement charges, says the I-CAN program pales in comparison to the post release program and is geared more towards men.
“All of these programs are geared towards men. The only thing that offers women reentry help and housing is Hour Children in Long Island City.”
But Hour Children doesn’t offer housing to women without children, and many find themselves in homeless shelters.
Morse, who also works for Petey Greene an educational organization that provides tutors to those who are currently incarcerated, said reentry and educational programs serve different purposes.
“There’s not even programs to help you catch up to technology. Someone getting an education will still need help knowing how to apply for jobs. Everything is online these days.”
In prison programs are important for successful reentry, but they seem to start too late and fall short for those who need it most. There has to be a deliberate intention to prepare for reentry when someone is initially incarcerated.
