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Luis was one of the first justice-involved students we served in California. When he joined our Commercial Driver training program, he had just left an $18/hour job at a waste disposal company. He had inhaled so many toxic fumes that he was placed on temporary medical leave. He was desperately looking for a way out. Luis's story is unfortunately not unique, and it shares similarities with the reality of millions of Americans. The toll of mass incarceration cannot be understated: with 2.3 million individuals currently incarcerated, 600,000 cycling in and out of jail every year, and 70 million living with arrest or conviction records. 95% of these individuals will eventually rejoin our communities. They will become our neighbors, coworkers and fellow citizens, shaping the future of our shared environment. Yet, despite this potential for transformation, our country is failing them in a critical regard. A staggering 60% of the justice-involved population remains without work, while 27% struggle with unemployment. These aren't just faceless numbers—they embody real lives, individuals who deserve the chance to rise above their pasts and forge new paths forward. Faced with these pressing realities, the urgency to redefine reentry strategies has never been more palpable.
The Justice-Involved Are Excluded From The Workforce
With unemployment rates surpassing those of the Great Recession, the urgency to equip individuals for reintegration into the workforce is undeniable. Over 80% of incarcerated people enter incarceration with no pre-incarceration earnings, making vocational readiness a paramount goal of any reentry model. Yet, the existing framework falls woefully short. Job training opportunities are severely limited, with only one-third of incarcerated people ever participating. The available prison jobs offer meager wages, often less than $1 per hour, further entrenching the cycle of poverty. The vast majority of re-entrants are under the age of 55, at the peak of their productive years, but upon release, many face a bleak reality, armed with nothing more than a bus voucher, a nominal release check, and the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives. These disheartening statistics underscore the imperative to overhaul the reentry system, investing in comprehensive programs that equip individuals with the tools necessary for post-incarceration success.
The Evolution of the Reentry Model
The future of the reentry model is built on four essential pillars.
1. More Job Opportunities
First, central to the new paradigm is the expansion of vocational training opportunities. This begins with strategic pre-release vocational preparation that serves as a cornerstone for success. Across the country, various skilled trades are grappling with labor shortages, prompting desperate employer searches for new hires. Many of these trades don't demand high educational attainment for entry-level positions; however, they offer wages that elevate individuals well above the poverty line. Numerous vocations present ample training opportunities before release—whether it's aiding individuals in grasping vocational demands, acquiring essential career readiness skills, rebuilding resumes, or gaining digital literacy skills that bolster job performance and life capabilities. If individuals are afforded a head start, along with a clear comprehension of how their chosen vocation can evolve into a career, and a solid plan in hand.
2. Tech-Driven Reentry
Second, the integration of technology is pivotal in empowering reentry initiatives and expanding their reach. The Michigan Vocational Village serves as a prominent example of a successful prison-to-employment program across the country. While its results are impressive, its capacity is limited, accommodating only 165 vocational trade students. Correctional facilities have inherent spatial constraints, hindering scalability. However, technology presents an opportunity for exponential growth. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic expedited the integration of technology within the corrections system, creating an opportune moment to embrace technology as a fundamental element in reenvisioning reentry planning. Technology can effectively deliver educational training, empower correctional and government personnel to oversee programs and provide tailored educational support based on individual student journeys.
3. Empowering the Movement
Third, the adage "it takes a village" holds, particularly in reentry contexts. Often, we come across nominal partnerships listed on correctional department websites. Yet, by harnessing pre-release information, we can dynamically link individuals with the right Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), forging a collaborative network that caters to their unique needs as they embark on the reentry journey. This extends beyond organizational collaboration, encompassing an array of wraparound services that address re-entrants' attitudes and beliefs about crime, mental health issues, mentorship, education, job training, and connections with community resources. These wraparound services form a strong foundation, serving as protective factors.
4. Data-Driven Reentry
Fourth, the integration of technology into the future of re-entry brings data to the forefront of the discussion of effective programming. Currently, disjointed endeavors across government agencies culminate in isolated information pockets and redundant processes, exacerbating challenges for individuals seeking essential services. Furthermore, this decentralization exacerbates the lack of comprehensive insights, a longstanding predicament in the criminal justice sector that hampers informed policy-making. The evolution of reentry programming introduces transparency as multiple agencies and organizations intersect with reentrants. This transparency lays the foundation for collaborative synergy among stakeholders, working collectively to empower reentrants on their journey toward a fresh start.
In the journey to reform reentry, we need to recognize that our mission is not solely about overhauling systems; it's about transforming lives. Through the pillars of vocational empowerment, technology integration, and collaborative networks, we're crafting a path of opportunity, growth, and redemption. We're not just reimagining the framework; we're igniting hope and possibility. As we press forward, we cannot forget that the statistics we aim to change are reflections of real stories, and the impact of these discussions reaches far beyond policy adjustments. By championing reentry, we're championing individuals like Luis, giving them the chance they deserve to rise, thrive, and make a positive mark on the world.
This article was originally published on Forbes and can be seen here.
