Monday 29 April 2019

Resources For Exoffenders, Family And Friends

By Elizabeth Hill


When awaiting the release of a family or friend from jail or prison, there are several areas in which loved ones can be of assistance. In fact, there are a number of websites which provide information on resources for exoffenders and how loved ones can help once the release takes place. In almost all cases, there are at least, if not more than, eight ways loved ones can help an individual upon release from jail or prison.

The 8 ways loved ones can help an exoffender include assisting in a job search, locating food banks, churches and support groups, restructuring the relationship, saving money and knowing any restrictions placed on the individual by the court. While most accept help from loved ones in these areas, there are others whom reject help from anyone. In most cases, these individuals are more likely to reoffend than others. If and when doing so while on probation or parole, the actions need to be reported to the proper authorities as soon as possible.

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 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.

Loved ones can also be instrumental in locating services such as churches, community service organizations, food banks, free clinics, job websites and support groups. In addition, locating a counselor whom can provide individual or family counseling can also be beneficial in some situations. Whereas, ex-offenders have also been known to join online support groups or obtain counseling from an online psychologist or psychotherapist.

There are a number of websites which can also provide information and resources to exoffenders based on geographic location. These include, second chance jobs, how to find a job after prison, interview preparation, resume writing courses and companies which will hire ex-offenders. Whereas, other locally based programs and resources often include community service work, counseling for ex-offenders, emotional and physical well being and volunteering.




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