We The Revolt

FREEDOM ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE

FREEDOM ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE

"Empowerment Beyond Bars: Supporting Reintegration and Reducing Recidivism"

The “We The Revolt Freedom Assistance Initiative” is a comprehensive program aimed at aiding the reintegration of individuals on probation and parole. It seeks to address the significant challenges these individuals face in re-entering society, including barriers to employment and education, which are key factors in reducing recidivism and promoting positive community engagement

43%
43% Reduction
REDUCTION IN RECIDIVISM
Inmates who engage in educational programs while incarcerated are 43% less likely to return to prison (Davis et al., 2013). Investing in prison education programs is not just a matter of reducing crime. It’s about creating pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society successfully.
60%
60% Unemployed
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE
Within the first year of release, about 60% of former inmates do not secure employment (Western et al., 2015). This staggering unemployment rate highlights the critical need for structured support systems, job training, and employment opportunities for individuals re-entering society.
50%
50% Reduction
REDUCED JOB CALLBACKS
Having a criminal record reduces the likelihood of a job callback or offer by nearly 50% (Pager, 2007). The stigma associated with a criminal record creates significant barriers to employment, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and policy change for fair hiring practices.

#FACTS

THINGS TO KNOW

1. REINTEGRATION CHALLENGES:

From 1980 to 2020, the number of people on probation in the United States nearly tripled, while those under parole supervision nearly quadrupled. This growth reflects the extensive reach of the criminal justice system beyond prison walls, affecting millions more in the community .

2. IMPACT OF EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING:

Studies show that access to education and vocational training significantly reduces recidivism rates. Inmates who participated in prison education programs had 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who did not (Davis et al., 2013). Providing education and vocational opportunities is vital in breaking the cycle of re-offense.

3. STIGMA AND MARGINALIZATION:

The stigma of a criminal record affects not just employment opportunities but also housing and social relationships. According to Pager (2007), a criminal record reduces the likelihood of a job callback or offer by nearly 50%, exacerbating the challenges of post-incarceration life.

4. LEGISLATIVE NEEDS

To effectively support reintegration, legislative changes are necessary. Probation and parole reforms should emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, and laws must be revised to provide adequate funding for vocational and educational programs for those re-entering society.

  • Davis, L. M., Bozick, R., Steele, J. L., Saunders, J., & Miles, J. N. V. (2013). Evaluating the effectiveness of correctional education: A meta-analysis of programs that provide education to incarcerated adults. RAND Corporation.
  • Pager, D. (2007). Marked: Race, crime, and finding work in an era of mass incarceration. The University of Chicago Press.
  • Western, B., Braga, A. A., Davis, J., & Sirois, C. (2015). Stress and hardship after prison. American Journal of Sociology, 120(5), 1512-1547.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND IMPORTANCE

Individuals on probation and parole have historically faced systemic barriers, limiting their access to vital resources for successful reintegration. This marginalization often stems from a punitive justice system that inadequately prepares them for post-incarceration life, leading to high recidivism rates.

IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT:

Implementing the “Freedom Assistance Initiative” requires a multifaceted approach, combining financial support, education, training, and policy advocacy, all underpinned by a compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by those re-entering society. This initiative not only serves to aid individuals directly affected by the criminal justice system but also plays a vital role in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

For the “Freedom Assistance Initiative” to be successful, modifications or introductions to certain laws and policies might be necessary. These could include:

  • Probation and Parole Reform Laws: Legislation that governs the terms and conditions of probation and parole, especially focusing on integrating rehabilitation and support systems.

  • Workforce Development and Education Funding Laws: Changes to laws that provide funding for vocational training and educational programs for individuals on probation and parole.

  • Criminal Justice Reform Bills: Broader reforms that address the systemic barriers faced by individuals re-entering society from the criminal justice system.

These legislative changes would be instrumental in supporting the initiative’s goals of reducing recidivism and aiding reintegration.

RESOURCES:

  • Visher, C. A., & Travis, J. (2003). Transitions from prison to community: Understanding individual pathways. Annual Review of Sociology, 29, 89-113.
  • Pager, D. (2007). Marked: Race, crime, and finding work in an era of mass incarceration. The University of Chicago Press.
  • Uggen, C., Manza, J., & Behrens, A. (2004). ‘Less than the average citizen’: Stigma, role transition, and the civic reintegration of convicted felons. In S. Maruna & R. Immarigeon (Eds.), After crime and punishment: Pathways to offender reintegration (pp. 261-293). Willan Publishing.
  • Western, B., Braga, A. A., Davis, J., & Sirois, C. (2015). Stress and hardship after prison. American Journal of Sociology, 120(5), 1512-1547.
  • Travis, J. (2005). But they all come back: Facing the challenges of prisoner reentry. Urban Institute Press.
  • Petersilia, J. (2001). When prisoners come home: Parole and prisoner reentry. Oxford University Press.

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