What happens after someone is released from Prison? Say they can't find work and they don't have a good family support,does the Government help them out financially? Over here we have Social Security, it's not much, but it's enough to live on. But from what I remember, you can't get Social Security over there unless you've been working, is that right? So what happens to someone who's been inside for 10 years? I hope you can understand this, I know what I mean. Thanks.

I was told by a friend that got released (in Utah) that, if he didn't find a job after 2 weeks, he had to go back to prison. Haven't heard from him after that.

There are programs in most communities that could be utilized, but from what I have seen most guys don't know where to go to use these resources and DOC is terrible about educating them. I have seen DOC set inmates up for failure in too many ways... some intentional and some unintentional because they didn't have the time or interest to listen to the inmate. If DOC's are truly interested in recidivism reduction, pre-release planning and education is one of the BIGGEST areas they need to evaluate and improve.... Oooh... Don't get me started on this one!! :)

Ditto!!!!!!!!!!!!!

texas has programs that help hire ex felons and it seems to be a good one if you are motivated and willing to start over again.

THERE ARE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE BUT I DO NOT THINK THE INFORMATION IS MADE AVAILABLE ROUTINELY TO INMATES ABOUT TO BE RELAEASED. IN FACT, I THINK FOR THE MOST PART DISCHARGE/TRANSITIONAL PLANNING FOR PRISONERS SUX!!! A LOT OF TIME IT IS JUST $40.00 AND A BUS TICKET-AND THEY WONDER WHY THE RECIDIVISM RATE IS SO HIGH!!! TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS COULD SAVE TH GOVT THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN RE-INCARCERATION COSTS AND CRIME RELATED COSTS-BEING PRO-ACTIVE IS NOT ONE OF OUR GOVTS STRONG POINTS-WE LIVE IN A "RE-ACTIVE" SOCIETY.....

SHERRI

Me and my fiancee just talked about that last night, one of his friends is getting out in two weeks and he had to get an address to send to his PO before his release. If he has nowhere to go then he's stuck in prison until they can get him a space in a halfway house. That sucks.

that sucks big time!!

Many states have some kind of program to help inmates on release. Virginias program is called OAR, it's through the state. They also offer programs for families of inmates too. Check with DOC and Parole and Probation in your area, they may be able to help.

The YWCA had a prerelease program at my institution, but it was a true friend that helped me...think the truth is you are on your own for the most part.

THERE ARE PEOPLE AND PLACES THAT WANT TO HELP, REALLY. IT IS JUST ESTABLISHING THAT CONNECTION. THE DOC DOESNT DO A GOOD JOB LINKING OR PREPARING INMATES FOR RELEASE

that is probably why so many end up in prison again. they get out and have no one that helps them and no place to go to, exept their old friends...and that are their 'bad' friends most of the time

Social security numbers are issued in the states when you are young. That number is yours forever.

In California, the current system does not require inmates to participate in any kind of transitional, prerelease program prior to being released from prison.

As long as a parolee is actively searching for employment, they are within the guidelines of their release.

Carla,

I know exactly what you mean. I couldn't believe it. When I did my first prison term, all we got was $200.00 gate money, & a "come back soon" smart ass comment. Our parole office has a job referal service, but I have no idea how good it is. They give you a list of shelters, & churches that handout free food if your homeless. The Salvation Army has a good program here in Orange County. Other than that your on your own. I'm a firm believer that CDC has no interest in your rehabilitation. They use to call me job security, & I was stupid enough to comply, LOL.------Ken

That's exactly right, Ken and Carla! When Cliff is paroled, he will get $200 and a bus pass. That's It.

No rehab, no job help, no place to stay. All of that is just as good as a return ticket.

I agree that the CDC has no intent of rehabilitating anybody. It is what they call, job security. Pitiful.

This is one area of the PTO family, as it grows, that can be a benifit to those releast in there area.

As we know here, sometimes it's just a matter of talking with those that care, outside of the system, and some will be releast with no body to turn too for support of any kind.

Can a federal prisoner use a state program after their release?Steve&kids