Essay Example on 76.6% of Ex-Convicts Struggle to Re-Enter Society After Release

Ex-convicts face many challenges as they try to adjust to their current situation. They often come face-to-face with a hostile environment, which impedes them from being productive within society. Evidence has shown that within five years of release, close to 76.6% of ex-convicts are re-arrested, re-incarcerated, or re-convicted, and this demonstrates that they often have a difficult time re-entering the society (Deborah 1). Often, ex-convicts are continually subjected to perpetual punishment, which sometimes involves the denial of education, and, most significantly, employment opportunities. The family and the society in general, find it hard to embrace ex-convicts as it is believed that they are highly likely to revert to their past behaviors. The ex-offenders, therefore, find themselves in a difficult situation after release. Compared to the general population, ex-offenders find it difficult to get meaningful employment, enjoy the right to mingle freely, and get significant family support.

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In most cases, employers present limited employment opportunities to ex-convicts because they have a deep-rooted negative view about them due to their criminal records. Some ex-offenders often display negative attitudes and behaviors which make it an uphill task for them to be accepted into the society (Deborah, 1). While some of them may have mental issues due to the strict prison conditions, others have already fallen prey to drug abuse. As a result, some potential employers view these ex-offenders as risky individuals due to their criminal record. Many fear that they may be accused of negligent hiring and be charged with exposing the community to a possibly dangerous person. More critically, the conviction of students often forces them to drop out of school. This means that even after going on with schooling, these ex-offenders they always have a resume gap, and this ultimately limits their chances of getting employment. The criminal record, coupled with the gap in education and work experience, make it difficult for an ex-offender to convince a potential employer that he or she is the best candidate for a certain job. Many employers, therefore, prefer to hire a person who does not have a criminal record thus leaving out ex-offenders.

It is difficult for ex-convicts to freely mingle with others in society. Even upon release after a possible reformation, ex-convicts are still consistently viewed as a bad influence, and the society tends to shun them as it is widely believed that they will negatively influence others (Bradley, 2). The social connections that these ex-offenders previously enjoyed are so limited that they also find it hard to cope. It is unfortunate that society has barriers that make ex-offenders fail to fit after being released. Notably, some people often get involved in criminal activities at a tender age when they do not fully understand the significance of adhering to socially-acceptable behavior (Deborah, 1). Juvenile delinquency is a good example of this behavior. Some offenders are too young to understand the magnitude of their crimes by the time they are convicted. By the time they are released, they are older and wiser than before, thus may be ready to behave accordingly. In light of this, therefore, society should embrace the ex-convicts and reintegrate them into society. The assistance given to these ex-offenders is what may help them fit when they re-enter society.

It should be noted that the families of the ex-convicts always experience difficulties in supporting the ex-convicts when they return home. Furthermore, research has established that individuals with criminal records often fail to exercise self-control and do not observe the social norms, and this destroys the relationship between the ex-convicts and their families (Ouellette, 3). Additionally, the limited, sometimes almost nonexistent, contact between family members and prisoners make it hard for reunions that may help ease up the building tension. A parent, for example, who does not get the opportunity to see his or her children, or even provide for them, because of imprisonment, may experience difficulties reconnecting with these children. Also, a person who has been in prison for long and has not been communicating with his or her family may not be easily accepted back and supported by this family. Some families may not even want to be associated with ex-offenders. Therefore, once released, the ex-convict finds it difficult to solicit sufficient support from their families.

On the other hand, there is hope for ex-convicts. Some ex-offenders are fortunate to have some employers interested in their services, especially if the crime they had committed was neither violent nor related to illegal drugs. Unfortunately, some potential employers show bias to ex-convicts, and they often deny them employment opportunities (Gopal, 4). This bias is unfair because ex-convicts need a livelihood, and as long as they have reformed, there is no problem with giving them an opportunity to reconstruct their lives. It is worth noting that some ex-convicts have exceptional knowledge and skills that they can use to bring significant progress in society if given the necessary support and guidance. Hiring ex-convicts may play a significant role in reducing the incidences of crime in society. It can also reduce the chances of the re-arrest, or re-conviction of these ex-offenders.

Additionally, society needs to understand the significance of supporting ex-convicts. This interpretation should start with the family since it is the basic unit of society. Family members must understand the needs of the ex-convict and help him or her settle down to the life of freedom, instead of subjecting him or her to punitive conditions. A family that refuses to accept a member because of his or her criminal record, for instance, makes the adaptation for such an ex-offender almost impossible. It should be noted that denying the ex-convict an opportunity to reintegrate into society often increases their chances of reverting to crime, which will prove costly to the family, society, and the federal government (Bradley, 2). Ex-convicts should not be viewed negatively in society as many people across the world have executed worse criminal activities except that the law has not caught up with them. Also, the criminal justice system has been skewed, where judges and prosecutors often perpetuate racial injustice and, worse still, mass incarceration (Deborah, 1). This often creates a wrong impression of the character of the ex-convicts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, evidence shows that ex-offenders find it difficult to get meaningful employment, enjoy the right to mingle freely with all members of the society, and get significant family support as compared to the general population. Ex-convicts are viewed negatively due to their criminal records. Potential employers are less likely to prefer these persons for employment. Additionally, the family members are not ready to offer full support to ex-offenders due to the failure to have constant contact during incarceration. Additionally, society shuns ex-offenders due to the stigma associated with a criminal record and imprisonment. Such treatment deters the smooth reintegration of ex-convicts into society. Nevertheless, there is hope. The society should embrace ex-convicts and give them proper guidance on the social norms in order to make them adapt to the changing environment. Some ex-convicts with criminal history revolving around child abuse, murder, and sexual assault are often subjected to longer incarceration compared to other criminals. However, the family, society, and employers should appreciate the fact these ex-convicts may possess significant skills and capacity to make a vital contribution to the progress of the community if given a chance to socialize, access the relevant support, education, and employment opportunities.

Sources

Deborah L Rhode. 2019. Character in Criminal Justice Proceedings: Rethinking Its Role in Rules Governing Evidence, Punishment, Prosecutors, and Parole. search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=137428141&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Bradley D Custer. 2016. "College Admission Policies for Ex-Offender Students: A Literature Review." Journal of Correctional Education, vol. 67, no. 2, Sept. 2016, pp. 35-43. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eue&AN=121303665&site=eds-live&scope=site.

Ouellette, H.M., Applegate, B.K. and Vuk, M., 2017. The public's stance on prisoner reentry: Policy support and personal acceptance. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 42(4), pp.768-789. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-016-9382-2Gopal C Pati. 1974. "Business Can Make Ex-Convicts Productive." Harvard Business Review, vol. 52, no. 3, May 1974, pp. 69-78. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=3867163&site=eds-live&scope=site.