I am currently doing a research paper on recidivism and restorative justice for a college class I'm in. As an ex-offender myself, I am out to prove that more community support is needed for prisoners once they are released. More importantly, I want to prove that cruelty and degredation of criminals is wrong. If anyone has any ideas on anything to do with release and rehabilitation that could help me , it would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get across that society is in denial about crime and choosing to treat anyone whose made a mistake like a fourth-class citizen is the wrong answer to the problem. Thank you to anyone who has any ideas to share with me. This is a very personal project for me and input from others who have first-hand experience is what I value most.

Can,

I have read your question several times since you posted it.

As you, I am an ex-offender, I have been out since March, but, the punishment continues. Mostly financial, at this point, but the stress and concern that I currently feel over this is punishment in and of it self.

Yes, I have the standard continued loss of some freedoms, but they really do not bother me as much as what the financial burden is doing to our abilities to live a productive and fruitful life.

The financial obligations that the court has imposed on me is destroying my relationship with my partner, it is driving us to the point that we have lost much already, and we may lose all that we own.

The loss of "things" I can deal with but the stress of continuing to make restitution, etc., ad infinitum, has just about gotten me to the point of, oh what the heck, just send me back to prison, at least, there THIS stress will be gone!

There are several things that keep me from taking that route, though I contemplate it daily.

One is the support that I receive from Linda, my family, and friends, including those here.

Believe it or not, I believe that is what is most important in not returning to crime and prison - the amount of support that you receive from your friends and loved ones.

I saw plenty of girls, that did not even have High School educations, and think that the state requiring, at least a GED prior to release on parole for those in this situation was a smart step.

I would like to see it taken further, there has been in the past some offering of college level education in our system. A friend of mine took advantage of that and is now herself a Professor in Richmond.

I know it would add an extra financial burden to the state during incarceration of an inmate and also upon release to the ex-offender. However, I would like to see the DOC institute a system for higher education during incarceration where the the state pays the cost and the ex offender pays the state back upon release. Much as the student loans given by the Feds.

However, I would also like to see alot, alot more support from the public for ex-offenders, job opportunities for one, instead of continually condemning the ex-offender, give them the chance that they need to begin a productive life.

Yes, there will be times when the employer may be burned, but I for one think it is worth the risk. I was so blessed to have an employer who rehired me after my release. But, so many do not have that blessing and I hope that other employers would hire the ex offender and take that chance, for many times it works out, and they have a willing and productive employee.

Also, for those who go home after long terms, or with no family or other support, I would hope to see a stronger support system built for them. I'm not sure I can express exactly what I would like to see here. But, I can tell you even with my family support there are times when I want to just talk to another ex offender, simply, because they may understand my problem and know the solution.

Also, having the affirmation or compassion, and at times, the kick in the arse by some one who has walked in your shoes, means more, and helps more.

Patti

I agree with frisco lady on support of family and friends, my guy always got nailed for absconding or never had anywhere to go when released and got back into his habits, not a excuse but just the way it was, i have never been in prison however i have been in and out jail in the past several years ago and i will have to say 99 percent of all of it was drug and alcohol related. my guy main problems with going to prison are drug and alcohol related. whats the answer? at least in my eyes more drug and alcohol education, maybe that would make a bit of a difference

carol

FriscoLady,

Thanks for your story. It is very touching. I have never been in prison only to visit. I believe in forgiving and forgetting and giving everyone a chance. Unfortunately not everyone sees it this way and we see this every day.

I worry about my friend although his next parole hearing is not until Feb 2006. He has no contact with his family at all except a brother also in prison. He has been incarcerated for 15 years now. He will be really hit with a major time warp when he is released.

He has nowhere to go so will have to parole to a halfway house and well I am very leery about that. I can only hope for the best for him. I am really the only friend he has out here and I am trying to help by writing, etc.

It is very sad that society is not forgiving yet they want these individuals to get it together. How can they do this if they are not given a decent chance and are often put down before they even start.

Thanks for listening. You keep your head up because good things will come with patience.

BlueLily

Thank you to everyone who read and responded to my topic. I thought this paper would be easier to do than it is. There's just so much to think about and question. I really appreciate all the ideas you've all given me. Friscolady...I hope to run into you again; I really liked your views and honesty. Thanks again everyone.

Can,

I would be very interested in how your paper comes out, and what your conclusions are.

I too hope to run into you. Please keep in touch.

Patti

My husband did a three year stretch fifteen years ago. When he was released, we moved 70 miles south of where we had lived for years. We were and are both self employed which made it even more difficult to start over as our businesses were successful from word of mouth.

We knew no one, we barely knew how to get to our son's school and back; everyday was an adventure just to do routine things. It was also some of the best times we have ever had together. We had no one to depend on but each other and every little discovery was a victory to be shared.

It was difficult to leave everything that way but we both feel that breaking old ties and old haunts helped immensely in breaking old habits.

Release should be new beginnings. I found one thing to be true: our druggie friends missed our company for it is a misery that loves company. If you detect the slightest desire to go back to old ways, RUN!

One day at a time is still the best plan of all. If you don't project into the future each day becomes a victory and before long it is hard to even think about. There is a realization that a certain chunk of time has gone by and hopefully, like us, you find you like the new you. We also made a policy of never saying never. Never has a finality to it that is scary and I think makes one want what ever it is your trying to kick. I know that I can go days without a cigarette as long as I have one in the house. If I don't, I start to Jones a bit. I'm not suggesting you keep a little dope around but saying 'never' frequently sets one up for a fall - much like making New Years resolutions that are unrealistic. One day at a time is realistic. Don't expect old habits to die easy. When the desire comes, do something else fun - go to the beach, play cards, mow the yard, whatever.

Like inmates, bikers get a bad rap too. We also found people we could ride with that were not part of the drug scene but alot of fun anyway. One progressive nondenominational church we attended had support groups as well as a biker group that did runs. I'm not talking about having religion shoved down your throat, I'm talking about people who knew the hell we had been through and were not judgmental but were there if they could help.

Family, of course, is great as long as there are no siblings involved in the same illegal stuff as sometimes seems to be the case.

Fifteen years later and too ill to work, my husband took the nearly world famous one time roll over of some dope to make money to help with his staggering medical bills and the rest, as they say, is history. We'll be trying it again in early 2005.

judy

Hello can,
I really would love to help you with your paper. I am an ex-inmate. I did 4 years in marysville. upon my release it was horrible, the put-downs I recieved, the judgemental people I came into contact with made my life almost unbearable. I ended up re-ofending to make ends meet so to speak. In ohio there isnt enough re-entry programs to help ex-offenders. I see society as closed minded due to the fact that a lot of people see offenders as bad human beings. when the fact of the matter is we are people who have just made bad choices or done bad things. For society to keep putting us down and not give us a chance, it can be very discouraging and I can understand why people re-offend. I have seen life from both sides because I also have a brother who is incarcerated. Family support is so important. When I was in prison I had very little support, so this made me real discouraged. However while I was in prison I got my ged took college classes and graduated from college with honors. But upon my release it didnt matter how much collese or progrmaming I had I still had this black cloud that followed me around, my felony conviction. I am determinded to succeed because I would like to break the vicious cycle. I am about to start school and I also work. I am giving back to my community because I feel it is the least I can do. I also want to start a support group for children whose parent/parents are incarcerated. Because I feel we have to start with the children of offenders to stop that cycle. For they are the forgotten silent victims of our crimes.

Pam, your last name says it all- Keep on keepin' on, How about putting together an assembly or whatever they are called at the school you attend now? Or advertise a discussion group, something like that. It all begins with us - if we each educate even one other person we can start knocking down the walls of ignorance, prejudice and avoidance.

judy

I've done a lot of reading and some of the common factors for succeess is finding work and sustaining work; get in a program if alochol, drug or sex addiction is involved; make new friends (if you are relocate away from old friends who might have a bad influence). Oh and foremost those who have contact and visitation during their incaration have a higher success rate. upon re-entry.

i think, support of family is the key. without this most will abscond and have that time outside rather than have their probation/ parole violated shortly after they get out. they figure what the heck, they will be violated sooner than later and later sounds like the best option.

in FL thr DOC gives an imate who is released from prison $100 to start over but that is not enough to find a place to live, let alone sustain them until they can find a job. no one csn succeed this way without family support. they are being set-up for failure.

Recidivism is an incredible problem. The published stats in AZ a few years ago stated that over 80% of convicted inmates would return to the system at some time. over 60% within the first year of their release.

They don't make it easy. I went in on a drug conviction like the vast majority of inmates. These are some of my opinions.

The inmate needs to decide prior to their ERD if they are going to continue to use or not. If you are not committed to giving it up,... just stay in the joint until your release date and f**k parole,... you'll never make it.

I decided to give it up,... everything. Of the 44 men that I shared my halfway house with (over a period of 6 months) only 2 of us sucessfully completed our parole.

Parole is having your life examined under a microscope every day. In my experience, not many can make it.

You do what they say, go where they tell you when they tell you and focus on not fucking up. Don't make friends,... don't make enemys. Forget the rules of prison - they will just get you back there. Find God if you can,...

I maintained my appointments, meetings, house rules, and held a part time job. I went back to school (community college), paid my bills and left the f****ng state the day my parole ended.

When I go back to visit,... I let my wife drive!!

That's how to stay out of prison:)

my husband will be out soon his red date as of today is 9-20-04 and getting closer. anyway the things he said that kept him focus in was me his wife and our son and our 3 other children yes i agree that society itself treats a convict or reformed convict less than human. i also think that they think that since you are an ex-con (lack of a better word) you know how important a job is well lets see there is not exactly a line of employers out there now is there. people say that a felony or a misdemeanor won't keep you from a job but the gods honest truth is it can. i think if more employers were willing to work with inmates to better themselves outside of prison we would have less re offenders just my opinion.

Let's see where do I start? Well, Im 28.....started off really young doing time. Did a 5 year and 2.5 year term for the California Youth Authority. Got out and struggled. Had a kid.....graduated to Prison. Now, some 14 years later after starting my life of incarceration: I am owner of a growing Internet Marketing firm.

My wife always asks why i dont write a book on "How to stay out of Prison/trouble". She says i should sell it. Well, im not sure what to say....i guess im just wanting to share my before and after. From a life of crime to becoming a business owner. If one can think with common sense then one can stay out of prison/trouble. For some I guess its not that easy. Support and motivation is a good contributing factor to success. I know how hard it is when one is not motivated. BUT there is more to life then moping or sitting in ones misery. You have to go and get it. Want to succeed? You must first accept and realize "hey, life is tough. BUT im not going to let it ruin me". Stand up straight....Think positive.....Figure out what you want to do. There are many options out there. Starting a business isnt difficult. Do you have skills? Put them to use. Dont sell yourself short.

To be continued......

Taking wife to breakfast....she stayed home from work today so we can spend time together...

:)

x-fission- this is great that you are havings such a successful life now :thumbsup: . I admire your determination and philosophy and I think your words will be an inspiration to many-good for you! I am looking forward to reading more.

:) I love nothing more than to read other success stories!! I am a repeat offender with 4 numbers and a new life. My last bit, I went in pregnant and got accepted to the brand new prison nursery in Ohio and it changed my life!!! I was one of the first in the program and my son Chance & I were there for 11 months. We were released in June of 2002 and have been doing well ever since. I am a licensed Realtor in the state of Ohio and happily married. Continue to share your succcess story and know that it will touch the lives of those that God places in your path.

I say that, not because I'm being facetious, but because it's up to you.

Parole officers are used to having to chase people down, or better yet, just do the paperwork and wait for them to eventually get caught, so they can get back to prison---or parole, whatever it ends up being. They never really have to look very hard for a reason to violate their client, it's usually handed to them on the proverbial "silver platter".

The only time I have ever sucessfully completed supervision, was when I got tough and decided that I was not going down without a fight---

So I started calling my PO, every other day. Where can I get bus tickets? Am I able to apply for public assistance? Where can I get another ID card, when I don't have the cash? Can you come over and look at where I live, I'm not happy with my surroundings? On, and On, and on...

I swear to you, there was absolutely no time when my PO didn't know exactly where I was, because I had either told her, or asked her for help to get there!

The point is, part of parole/probation staffs job is to help you solve any problems that may hinder your sucessful completion of supervision. Not just help you get back to a cell and out of their hair.

What I did was, I insisted that she do the other half of her job and HELP me. It got so that SHE actually avoided ME! Trust me, they will not know how to act! And if you do happen to get one that is vindictive, be sure you keep notes of every phone call, every detail. You may spend a few days in jail waiting for a hearing, but as my little brother "the career criminal" can tell you, it feels so darn good to hear the judge chew out the PO for once!

Think about it---how many judges hear about a parolee who wanted too much attention from their PO? How stupid did she sound when she tried to explain that I contacted her too much, asking for too much of her time!

No, turn the tables and do the unexpected---Cooperate, and make them do their job. Make them work for it! You don't have to be "hunted" like an animal, never give them the satisfaction! Their job is to see to it that you complete your parole while staying out of trouble and meeting your obligations---Don't carry the weight alone, now you have a partner! (somewhat reluctant one)

Finally, they can't very well chase you while they are busy trying to get away from you, now can they?

Sixpack

Bravo, Sixpack, bravo! How I wish Guy would have had that kind of fortitude!

Way to go sixpack ~ Love your attitude and agree with the concept.

Please don't misunderstand those of you that talk about the support of family and loved ones as I do not disagree with you but I can tell you from personal experience that my man had much support from his family and from myself. After 16 months on parole he is back in prison as he choose to "max out" in a few months time rather than adhere to the conditions of parole on the outside. We should have bumrushed his Parole Agent as sixpack suggests, actually we thought we did after reading this thread I know we didn't do enough in that area. I think ol' boy only came around ONLY when he was in a miserable mood anyhow.

Lack of employment opportunity was another thorn in my mans side and trust me he was willing to take any position. The two jobs he did get were taken away by the Parole Agents (completely "legit" jobs but long story). Thus the man was FRUSTRATED.

It is a sad commentary when a young man would rather go back to prison than live a semi-free existance outside. It speaks magnitudes about how f'd up the system is.

Sorry I don't have any answers but I seek them voraciously...

Patty

I believe that something within the prison system needs to change. I've never been there myself, but I am also taking a class on Corrections and planning to do a paper on this topic. I feel that offenders are the least paid attention to in our society and it really bothers me. Our community almost makes it impossible for them to pick their lives back up.

From what I've learned and researched, many offenders don't feel understood talking to people who have not walked in their shoes. Therefore, they don't seek the help they need. They come out of prison with nowhere to go, minimal support and understanding, no money, and all of the same problems they went in with. So upon getting out their right back at square one....while things may go good for a while it's really easily to fall victim to discouragement.

Something in the system needs to change. I personally believe that education should not be a choice...I think all offenders should have to go to school. Not that this would solve the problem, but I believe that learning would replace some old thought processes with new ones...education would provide them with new understandings and strengthen self-esteem without a doubt.

I also think that they should have to work whether they are high risk, medium risk, or low risk....whatever the situation...a program could be worked out within the prison system so that all prisoners have to work. They should have to work for little luxuries and extra privileges. This would teach them discipline.

Just a thought...but these are two things that I believe might make a difference. For those who sit and do nothing....its kind of like that saying "He who fails to plan plans to fail." Education and hard work might give them something to look forward to and be a good enough reason not to go back....most offenders work very little (if at all)....if they know they are going to have to work their butts off in prison that would be an incentive not to go back!!!

This is a really good thread. I especially liked sixpacks post! LOL

My husband served time in an OHio prison, he worked 5 days a week in the kitchen as a dish washer. He is home with me now, has been for about 10 months, and has no intention of going back.. He cals and reports to his p.o. as scheduled. We live on the edge of Wva , our road starts in Va and ends in Wva. He doesnt cross that line, even to get gas without calling his po and letting her know he will be going out of state even if its just for 15 minutes. Family love and support means a great deal , but the person who is on parole or probation has to want bad enough to stay out and live a clean life...just my opinion.. have a great day.....

Ya know, I think good work ethics are important too. However, the realities of prisoners who must work are harsh, and have nothing to do with reform. What it has to do with is the State raking in the almighty buck. Many civilian businesses complain that they can't compete with the system the State DOC's have set up for themselves, and they are right---they can't.

No other employer enjoys a wage of less than a dollar a day. paying No unemployment insurance, no medical insurance, no worker's comp, none of that. And to top it all off, DOC "employees" don't get overtime, sick pay, or vacations. They are always available to work, if the state says they are, that is.

Believe me. if it wasn't so profitable for the prison industrial complex, they could care less about prisoners "work ethics".

I think California with forcing prisoners to expose themselves to CRT tube dust and other toxins, while not offering any protection, just about sums up how "expendable" they think people are. As long as there is a dollar to be made, prisoners are whatever they say they are---except for valued as people.

I've seen the truth behind prison work programs, and it's nothing like what they lead you to believe.

Six

Google a guy named Ed Latessa, University of Ohio. He talks about addressing criminogenic needs. He does a lot of reasearch looking for what works in probation, parole, and incarceation.

As someone who is in love with a "career prisoner" I only wish we had taken this approach when he was put on probation in August of this year, maybe he wouldn't be in "processing" right now, looking at yet another 10-12 month stretch??!! Like I always heard, give someone enough rope and eventually they will hang themselves! The thing that bothers me the most is if you are convicted, serve your time and released, you NEVER lose that "record" and heaven forbid you mess up again, they go back to the dawn of time and based on past history you are sentenced because of what was done in the past. No wonder repeat offenders see prison as a way to "escape from the trials and tribulations of daily life" when they are always reminded of their past!

I am currently doing a research paper on recidivism and restorative justice for a college class I'm in. As an ex-offender myself, I am out to prove that more community support is needed for prisoners once they are released. More importantly, I want to prove that cruelty and degredation of criminals is wrong. If anyone has any ideas on anything to do with release and rehabilitation that could help me , it would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get across that society is in denial about crime and choosing to treat anyone whose made a mistake like a fourth-class citizen is the wrong answer to the problem. Thank you to anyone who has any ideas to share with me. This is a very personal project for me and input from others who have first-hand experience is what I value most.

First, I would like to say this....people who commit crimes do NOT make "mistakes"...they make choices...a mistake is someone who leaves their wallet at the house or head out of the house without their license when they drive...people who commit crimes make a choice to do what they do...I am an ex-offender and served 12 years for non-violent crimes...I did not make a mistake...I made choices (as bad as they were)...I knew full well what I was doing...now that that is out of the way...

Support on the outside is crucial...without it, the likelyhood of going back to prison is very possible, so that is one issue that nees to be addressed. Second, it is up to the individual whether he or she wants to make it out here. Too many people leaving prison do not take personal responsibility for their actions out here and this gets them into trouble. They do not have to live in the past, but they need to realize that it is going to be tough out here...ultimately, it is up to them if they are going to suceed and that means leaving prison with the intention of NOt coming back to prison.

I agree that cruelty is wrong for inmates, but I think that it is hyped up. Yes, prison is a bad place to be, but it is not suppossed to be pleasent. A person should leave prison hating the experience, learn from it, and move on...if they don't then they are going back...I think it is cruel too that inmates do not realize the fact that they are in prison for a reason. They commit a crime and then complain about the treatment they receive...they hurt people but do not like it when they are treated wrong...that is hypocrisy...I walked like a man in prison and never had many problems from the administration ecause I wasn't up in their face. I find it hard to believe that people out of the blue are being assaulted by guards...it happens but for no reason? Hmmm...you want to "prove" that crulety is wrong...well, I don't think that anyone thinks it is right. I am a college student as well and the problem that needs to be addressed is what happpens to the person once they are released? Do they have support, and if they don't then what happens next? I have little sympathy for those who have support and go back to crime...an I am an ex-offender. We wonder why the states end parole...it is because of the ignorant choices of those who decide to go back to crime...in the long-run this reflects on all people in prison and makes the system worse.

I understand what you are saying, but let's not sugarcoat anything...the system is set up for punishment...whether he or she wants to make it out here is the key...if they don't then they are going back...plain and simple. I have 4 good friends out here who were in prison with me and ALL of them are making it. One guy had NO ONE and he has a good life out there...it can be done, but it starts with the individual. No one is going to hold their hand out here. They also need to realize that people are out there to help them. For those who have support, they better be damned lucky to have it and realize where they came from (prison)...support is crucial, but they will once again have to choose whether or not they want to make it out here.

Brian

I have to agree with Brian.It is up to the individual to take personal responsibility.As a recovering alcholic I can have all the support in the world but it won't help if I don't do what I gotta do to stay sober.AS far as jobs I know in Ohio we don't have an abundace of them.It's hard even for non offenders.Our government should help the poor,sick,underpaid too,but we all know how that goes.I guess staying out of prison depends on how much your willing to go to stay out.

Brian,
I find your letter very powerful.
You have got strenght, some people just don't have. They have to want it for their self. I wonder a lot about why people put there family thru this over and over. They get tired of staying behind them all the time, There is a way to make it in this world IF you want to. When you have a family or no one. My grandmother always said--YOU CAN WORK AND MAKE A LIVING DOING ANYTHING "AS LONG AS ITS HONEST AND DECENT" She was born in 1871-- Told me this in 1957 so ITS UP TO THE PERSON. I live by those words and Taught my 4 daughter this. Now my Grandchildren.

Brian,
I find your letter very powerful.
You have got strenght, some people just don't have. They have to want it for their self. I wonder a lot about why people put there family thru this over and over. They get tired of staying behind them all the time, There is a way to make it in this world IF you want to. When you have a family or no one. My grandmother always said--YOU CAN WORK AND MAKE A LIVING DOING ANYTHING "AS LONG AS ITS HONEST AND DECENT" She was born in 1871-- Told me this in 1957 so ITS UP TO THE PERSON. I live by those words and Taught my 4 daughter this. Now my Grandchildren.

Thanks for the kind words. I have dealt with this issue for awhile now with people, and ultimately it is up to the person. It takes a lot of hard work, but it can be done. There are plenty of times when I got frustrated and wanted to quit but the bottom line is I VALUE my freedom.Some do and some don't....it is upto them...if they don't then they have to face the consequences. I have seen too many people go in a nd out of prison before I even got my first shot and I always wondered "why"...to me, the excuses were lame " I only caught a dirty urine"...it just blew me away. Support is crucial, but I value everyone in my life and will not take them for granted. Priosn is tough, but people can make it out here...if they want to.

Brian

Wow! how inspiring! Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right is a non-profit organization currently under development. While many organizations are set up to prevent first offenses, this organization is dedicated to fulfilling it's unique aim in stopping the cycle of recidivism; once it has already started. Once an individual is incarcerated, the likelihood of securing employment is currently an obsticle for many. We believe, regardless of past decisions... once an individual has proven to become a respectable, productive member of the community; he or she deserves the right at equal employment. Businesses are more relucatant to hire former criminals than any other group of disadvantaged workers, it has been proven that there is a clear link between crime and employment. We have created a program that will provide businesses with willingness and assurance to hire individuals with past criminal background challenges and educate them about how they can play a direct role in becoming a solution to the problem. Many view the stigma associated with his or her background as a lifetime sentence, we are committed to provide confidence and self worth to individuals who have since lost confidence in the justice system and provide desired results back into the community.

Brian and all., This is a site i stumbled on, as i am also new to this. My brother has gone back after 17 yrs. Felony, So he had a rifle was taking it to trade for a truck!! He woried my mother and Dad so much and they stood behind him and so did the bro and sister. All though the brunt is on me since mom died 11 yrs ago.
I just don't get it. Why why why!! I was 16 when mom had him so he was the baby of 6 children.
At 70 yrs old I have stood by him but am weary now. I have other people who need me also. So I will stand by him for these 3 years and I have told him IF YOU GO BACK AGAIN, Your own your own bud!! AT 53 its time to get a life. Attitude adjustement, leave drug alone. Have will power and as I said before and Brian said YOU GOT TO WANT IT FOR YOURSELF!

hotlatina--you are right, family support is primo when attempting to stay free, but it still proves my point because your family will help you stay on the good side of your po, and give you the strength to avoid running away from your responsibilities! Essentially what I said before. While I didn't mention family, I mentioned my "career criminal brother" who helped (supported) me with his own experiences that I learned from, without repeating his mistakes---

support is support if it works to your advantage!

Gosh I love this life, and I love all you gutsy guys and gals who had the courage to stand up and ask when you didn't know.

Success can be obtained from many directions, why limit ourselves to the possibilities?

Love ya all!

Sixpack