By: Marcy Paulson

The cycle of recidivism frequently portrays prisons as having revolving doors, and unfortunately, this is no exaggeration. An examination conducted by the US Department of Justice across 24 states revealed that 82 percent of individuals released from state prisons were rearrested within a decade. Within the initial year post-release, 43 percent were rearrested. 

The issue of parolees reverting back to criminal activity is an ongoing problem that our criminal justice system must address. The hurdles former inmates encounter when leaving prison were often at the root of their first sentence, and the recurring cycle highlights the necessity for effective intervention.

How community support impacts recidivism

“We know that community support is crucial to an inmate’s successful reintegration into society,” says Percy Pitzer, the founder of the Pitzer Family Education Foundation (PFEF). “Their likelihood to reoffend is impacted by critical factors such as their background, the environment waiting for them outside of the prison’s walls, and the level of support they can find.”

To lower recidivism rates and give released prisoners the best chance of success, community support should include a wide range of resources, such as employment programs, educational opportunities, mental health services, and family counseling. These services are crucial in assisting former inmates in rebuilding their lives and achieving better results.

PFEF’s initiatives aim to instill purpose, enhance employability, and fundamentally alter life trajectories. Its scholarship programs offer more than knowledge acquisition — they are a critical catalyst for societal change. By focusing on people impacted by the criminal justice system, PFEF strikes at the heart of recidivism and intergenerational incarceration.

PFEF’s educational programs transition individuals from incarceration back into the community, equipped with academic credentials and vocational competencies to secure stable employment. By addressing education and employment simultaneously, PFEF empowers both individuals and the communities they return to.

Obtaining a steady job is likely the biggest challenge for released prisoners. “When employers hesitate to employ people with criminal records, it continues a cycle of poverty and desperation that frequently results in a return to criminal activity,” Pitzer asserts. “Nevertheless, vocational training initiatives and employment placement support can fill this void.”

Higher levels of education are closely linked to reduced rates of reoffending. A study shows that inmates who engage in educational programs while incarcerated have a 43 percent lower likelihood of returning to prison. Correctional facilities that provide educational opportunities, such as GED training and college classes, help inmates acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for successful careers after their release.

Initiatives and organizations like PFEF provide financial aid opportunities for ex-offenders on parole to enroll in a trade certificate course.  This program allows parolees to obtain a trade certificate in Welding, Core Safety, Instrumentation, Scaffold Builder, Industrial Carpentry, Electrical, and Pipefitting. 

A large portion of the prison population faces challenges with mental health problems and substance abuse. Community-based programs in these areas tackle the root problems that lead to criminal behavior head-on. 

“A former inmate’s prospects for reintegration are also deeply influenced by the family and social networks ready to greet them when they leave prison,” explains Pitzer. “Community programs that help families reunite and offer social connections significantly affect the cycle of repeat offenses.”

These issues can be addressed with quality health insurance, which PFEF also provides. Their health insurance helps inmates with little or no resources who are released from incarceration have an opportunity to receive free health insurance. Correctional institutions can use this same program to enhance community relations since many people in communities lack resources. 

Finally, grappling with the intricacies of the legal system can be daunting for those recently released from prison. Community-based legal advocacy assists former inmates in comprehending their rights, obtaining essential services, and dealing with administrative obstacles. Organizations that provide this help can be invaluable for recently incarcerated individuals in their reintegration.

The economic case for community support

Investing in community support for ex-convicts can be beneficial for society, and it makes sound financial sense. In 2020, the average cost to house a federal inmate for one year was $39,158. Considering this, it’s not surprising that the research by the RAND Corporation discovered that each dollar put into correctional education programs results in almost five dollars of savings in future incarceration expenses for taxpayers. By investing in programs within the community that help ex-offenders reintegrate successfully, societies can decrease the financial strain on the criminal justice system and build a more resilient community.

If we want to decrease repeat offenses, we must change our mindset from punitive to rehabilitative. Community support, encompassing job opportunities, schooling, mental health services, social ties, and legal assistance, is the foundation of this change. By investing in these areas, we create a more inclusive society where formerly incarcerated individuals are given the tools and opportunities needed to build sustainable, dignified lives.

The task is formidable yet not impossible. It requires collaboration between policymakers, community organizations, and caring individuals. “As we experience the benefits of reduced crime rates, decreased financial burden on the justice system, and safer communities, we will know our cooperative investment was well worth our effort,” Pitzer concludes. “Together, we will build a better future where second chances are not only possible but probable.”

Published by: Nelly Chavez