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Needs of Ex-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.

6 areas of needs_colorGoing 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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