Resources For Exoffenders, Family And Friends

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.

Recently released individuals often have specific stipulations as a condition of release. These often include, electronic monitoring, drug and alcohol tests, community service, geographic travel limitations and a mandatory job search. In some cases, the individual must remain in a half-way house type setting for several months before being able to rent an apartment, buy a car or purchase a home.

Saving money towards a loved one's release can often be extremely helpful once the individual is released. For, depending on how long the individual has been incarcerated, it can often take a long time before the individual can readjust to life on the outside. As a result, the more help loved ones can provide in the way of cash, housing and transportation will often contribute to the ex-offender's success against violations of parole or probation and future offenses.

If able to support a loved one in this manner, it is important to make known that the help is only short-term and conditional upon efforts to find a job and a place to live without violating any conditions of the release. Otherwise, it is important to stop providing such support, as doing so could potentially have negative effects on the exoffender, the loved one or the overall relationship.

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.




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