Saturday, April 27, 2019

Community Resources For Exoffenders And Loved Ones

By Elizabeth Hill


Having a loved one in jail or prison can often be difficult. For, visiting hours are often limited to one or two hours per week. Whereas, loved ones are not always prepared for all that goes on once the individual is released. With this in mind, there are several organizations which have published information in this area, including eight ways loved ones can help as well as a list of resources for exoffenders.

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.

Most individuals being released from jail or prison will be on probation or parole. If so, more than likely there will be a series of conditions placed on the exoffender. In most cases, these conditions include community service, a mandatory job search, drug and alcohol tests, electronic monitoring, curfews and geographic limitations on travel.

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.

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 loved ones become very excited before the release of an incarcerated friend or family member. In most cases, these individuals are envisioning life as it was before the person went to jail or prison. In some cases, things may have not changed. In almost all cases, challenges will eventually arise within the relationship. As such, it is important to have a one-on-one conversation upon release of the individual to discuss any emotional or physical boundaries, limitations or expectations.

With regards to an exoffender's needs in the future, loved ones can be very helpful when it comes to seeking out support groups, churches, talking with children, counseling and other services. Although, depending on circumstance, counselors can often provide better resources when it comes to finding the right church or support group. Whereas, loved ones are often more effective when it comes to talking to children associated with an exoffender.

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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