Re-entry programs play an important role in "leveling the playing field" for some of society's most vulnerable members. The goal is to simplify this complex issue while emphasizing the importance of re-entry programs. These programs are critical in assisting our justice system in achieving its goal of increased public security while also assisting former inmates in becoming productive and successful members of society.

As you proceed to discuss the major elements of effective inmate re-entry as part of the greater transitional justice system, it is necessary to recognize why society must conceive and respect inmates as Individuals, not simply prisoners.

Society and social services must begin to treat inmates as individuals from the outset of their sentence... Beginning Early!

When prisoners in the United States are released, they face an environment that is challenging and actively deters them from becoming productive members of society. Within three years of release, 67.8 percent of ex-offenders are rearrested, and, within five years, 76.6 percent are rearrested.

Criminals are Criminals

Recidivism rates (or rates of repeat offending) are often used as a measure of effectiveness of prison systems and post-release offender management programs.  What’s more, studies show that the general public believes - “once a criminal, always a criminal”. They see “ex-cons” as “criminals waiting to happen again.”

The Headline

After years of writing about the mass incarceration of Americans, it gives us great pleasure to share this headline with everyone in the social services community.

How did the United States, with 5% of the global population but 25% of its prisoners, become home to the largest prison system in the history of the world? Some say it’s an accomplishment. The U.S. is a law and order country and our criminal justice system is the envy of the world. Others feel quite differently and suggest that the “war on drugs” led to the mass incarceration of two generations of the urban poor.

PRESS RELEASE

St. Louis, MO – A.R.C. (Anti-Recidivism Coalition), a support network and advocacy group for men and women who were once incarcerated and part of the criminal justice system, has partnered with Global Vision Technologies, Inc. (GVT) to implement FAMCare human services software.