Thursday, April 25, 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 most important ways in which loved ones can help a recently released individual include, assisting with a job search, locating companies whom hire ex-offenders, saving money and restructuring the relationship. Whereas, locating churches and support groups, building and maintaining a relationship with the individual's parole officer and knowing any stipulations with regards to probation or parole can all be extremely helpful.

When it comes to parole and probation, most individuals have these conditions as a stipulation of release. These can often include, electronic monitoring, community service, drug and alcohol tests, a mandatory job search, geographic travel limitations and curfew. One of the best ways to assure these requirements are met is for a loved one to develop a relationship with the individual's parole officer. For, if there were to be a violation, the officer can inform the family.

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.

When loved ones are able to help in this regard, it is important that the exoffender understand the help is only temporary and for a short period of time. In addition, if there are any violations to parole or probation, it is important to stop the assistance as quickly as possible. Otherwise, the ongoing support could have a negative effect on the ex-offender and potentially, the loved one if charged with harboring a fugitive.

Most often, loved ones become very excited over a loved one's release from jail or prison. In most cases, loved ones are envisioning the relationship with the ex-offender as it was before the individual was incarcerated. While things may not have changed as much for those whom have only been incarcerated for a short period of time, individuals incarcerated for six months or longer often have difficulty when it comes to re-establishing past relationships.

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.

Resources and services can also be found on a number of websites related to ex-offenders. Most of these resources relate to clinics, community service, educational or job opportunities. Whether looking for a job or planning on taking classes, there are a number of online resources which can be of assistance in this area, these include Indeed and Monster when it comes to jobs and edX or Coursera with regards to free classes and certificate programs.




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