Second Chances: Helping Returning Citizens Reintegrate
Guest Contributor:
ERIC COCHLING
Chief Program Officer & General Counsel, Georgia Center for Opportunity
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Recidivism continues to be a problem in the US prison system, with nearly two-thirds of those released rearrested within three years. During their years in society, they are a threat to public safety, create an incredible expense to the public (over $60 billion in 2022), and are responsible for immeasurable human suffering.
However, there is a silver lining. Citizens returning from prison can be a force for good. While many interventions can help improve their outcomes, few are as effective as steady, gainful employment.
Unfortunately, clients with criminal histories face a list of unique obstacles when trying to reintegrate into society, many impacting their employment prospects. Limited networks, an outlook shaped by incarceration, and the stigma of incarceration all make reentry feel like an extension of prison.
While we should look to lawmakers to do their part in solving that issue (i.e., change the structural problems within our criminal justice system and advocate for reform), there are things we can do right now to support those with criminal histories and address some of their most pressing needs:
Recruit employer partners with reentry-friendly hiring practices
You might be surprised at the number of employers open to hiring individuals with criminal histories, especially if they are referred from an organization like yours that actively helps returning citizens. Some have elevated their good corporate citizenry by offering second-chance hiring programs designed to tap into what amounts to a new labor pool. If you haven’t already, your organization could lead by example with its own second-chance initiative.
Educate employers in your community about the value of second-chance hiring
When you find companies resistant to hiring individuals with criminal histories, don’t give up! Advocate for second-chance hiring by sharing success stories of companies that hire returning citizens. Help potential employers see they can adopt second-chance hiring practices that minimize risk and allow access to a group of people who often become the most motivated, hardworking, and loyal employees in the company.
Incorporate mindset / worldview training for clients
A good friend who spent time in prison says returning citizens are sometimes trapped in the “prison of their minds.” It can lead to a way of dealing with others that’s overtly hostile, resistant to authority, and overreacts to perceived threats. Programs like Jobs for Life and worldview training like Mental Freedom are designed to help participants take control of their thoughts, address conflict constructively, and create a vision and plan for the future.
Partner with organizations that can assist with basic legal needs
Many returning citizens leave prison without the documents they need to secure employment, rent an apartment, and transact other basic business (i.e., a birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card, etc.). Depending on their criminal history, they may be able to have their records expunged, making employment easier to obtain. Pro-bono lawyers and legal aid organizations (see Findhelp.org) can assist your clients in navigating the paperwork required to take care of these relatively easy (but paperwork-heavy) legal issues.
Eric Cochling is the Chief Program Officer and General Counsel for the Georgia Center for Opportunity, a True Charity network member. To join network members like Eric in fueling a resurgence of civil society in the fight against poverty visit truecharity.us/membership.
