What are the key problems facing newly released prisoners?

Discover the types of support a former prisoner might need when returning home.


Every year, approximately 700,000 men and women are released from U.S. prisons. That’s the equivalent of about 2,000 ex-prisoners a day returning to communities across the country.

What are the key problems facing newly released prisoners?
Going home after being in prison is a very challenging transition for most newly-released prisoners, as well as their families and communities. Recidivism studies show that without intervention, two-thirds of those released will return to prison within three years. Sadly, prisoners often go back to prison not because they committed a crime, but because they simply violated parole.

To break this cycle, an effective reentry ministry must consider the needs in all areas of the returning citizen’s life: social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, environmental, and physical. These are the most common needs of a newly-released person returning to your community.

IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF EX-PRISONERS

  • Safe housing
  • Adequate food
  • Clothing and personal care items
  • Transportation
  • A church home
  • Emotional and spiritual support
  • Proper identification
  • Access to a phone
  • Medical and dental care; psychiatric care
  • Alcohol or substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation

ONGOING NEEDS NEEDS OF EX-PRISONERS

  • Life-skills training and preparation
  • Employment
  • Income to cover ongoing expenses
  • Further educational and/or vocational training
  • Professional services (attorney, accountant, counselor, etc.)
  • Mentoring and spiritual guidance/support
  • Counseling for family and marital problems
  • Strong friendships with other Christian believers

Recidivism is frequently related to medical issues and/or substance abuse. For example, a person may be diagnosed with a medical or psychiatric problem and given medication while in prison. But when released, that medical or psychiatric care is discontinued. Many resort to using alcohol or other drugs to self-medicate, thereby violating their terms of parole and eventually being rearrested.

The Urban Institute in Washington, D.C., has conducted a long-term study on the many challenges faced by ex-prisoners when they return home. Click this link for a summary of their findings:  Returning Home: Understanding the Challenges of Prisoner Reentry

Recovering from the losses and dehumanization of incarceration doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and ongoing support. The healing and restoration of ex-prisoners is most effective when it takes place among a strong body of believers who are fully committed to demonstrating Christ’s love toward prodigal sons and daughters returning home.

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What are the problems faced by the prisoners?

These include many mental disorders and a high level of drug or alcohol dependence. Many women undergo sexual and physical abuse and violence before or in prison. The gender specific health care needs and additional issues related to the women's responsibility for children and families are often neglected.

What are the 4 biggest challenges facing correctional institutions today?

Issues Facing Corrections Officers in 2022.
Retention. Retaining current staffers is a perennial top priority throughout law enforcement. ... .
Recruitment. ... .
Burnout & Officer Wellness. ... .
Overcrowded Facilities. ... .
COVID-19. ... .
Research-Driven Solutions..

What are some of the negative consequences experienced by the prisoners?

Quite often, mental health issues and substance abuse issues occur alongside one another. Many other incarcerated individuals may experience depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, or PTSD. 5 For some, these issues may be pre-existing conditions. For others, the issues may have started after their incarcerations.