Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Community Resources For Exoffenders And Loved Ones

By Elizabeth Hill


Preparing for the release of a loved one can often be beneficial to re-entry. For, it is not only resources for exoffenders which are important, it is also loved ones of the ex-offender. As such, there have been eight ways discovered which can help an exoffender and loved ones during the re-entry process.

The eight ways to help a loved one in this way include understanding any restrictions placed on the individual by the court, saving money, restructuring the relationship, locating potential food banks, churches and support groups and assisting in the loved one's job search while talking with children associated with the exoffender. If in the process, the individual violates parole or probation, loved ones need to report such behavior to the parole officer immediately.

Most individuals being released from jail or prison will be on probation or parole. If so, more than likely there will be a series of conditions placed on the exoffender. In most cases, these conditions include community service, a mandatory job search, drug and alcohol tests, electronic monitoring, curfews and geographic limitations on travel.

Saving money towards a loved one's release can often help the individual once released. For, depending on how long the individual had been incarcerated, it can often take time to readjust to society at large. As such, having a little bit of cash can often be helpful when going through a job search or meeting with a parole officer, especially when in need of bus fare, food or gas.

If able to provide monetary support to a loved one in this manner, it is important to let the individual know the help is only for the short-term. In addition, any support whether with related to cash, housing or transportation needs to be eliminated if the exoffender violates probation or parole. Otherwise, the loved one and ex-offender could both be charged with a crime.

Loved ones often become extremely excited before the release of an incarcerated family member or friend. In most cases, the loved ones are envisioning a reality as it was before the individual went to jail or prison. For individuals only in jail for a short time, things may not have changed. Whereas, for those whom have been incarcerated for long periods of time, rebuilding trusting relationships can often be difficult.

With regards to future needs, churches, support groups, job searches, talking with children and counseling, all of these go hand-in-hand. For, counselors can often provide better resources than others when it comes to the proper support group or church. Whereas, loved ones still need to consider future needs of the individual and work together in talking with children.

In most cases, there are also a number of websites which can provide a list of services for exoffenders in the local area. For example, information on how to find a job after prison, resume writing courses, how to ace an interview and ten companies which will provide second chance jobs to those with a limited criminal record. Whereas, there are other programs directed toward community service work, emotional and physical health and volunteering.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Share

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More