Integrating back into society after a couple years in prison is difficult for many former prisoners.
If a loved one is being released soon, here are a couple of things that may aid your loved one in adjusting to life after jail.
One main thing is to provide housing.
Majority of former prisoners have a hard time finding a stable place to live.
This can be due to no proof of income, or building policies about individuals with criminal records.
If you have a loved one who is being released from jail soon, offer them housing until they are stable enough to get back onto their feet.
The first couple weeks is the most important part of adjusting and having a roof over their head will be extremely beneficial in the long run.
Another major tackle for prisoners who are released is socialization.
Studies have shown that many prisoners deal with isolation and inability to create social relationships.
These prisoners need to know and understand that creating positive relationships with individuals is a great experience and as their family members, you can aid in these interactions, or at least get it started.
Some examples of how one can help these relationships form is perhaps by hosting a couple family dinners or some outings with friends.
These simple yet very effective interactions are essential to the growth of a prisoner adjusting back into society.
Another to keep track of is the productivity of the former prisoner.
Studies have shown that the majority of prisoners that are released, are rearrested in the following couple of years.
This is due to the prisoners having an abundant amount of free time after being released from prison.
As their loved one, helping the individual put their time towards positive things will develop a mindset that is beneficial in the long run.
Some examples of these tasks include volunteering at nearby shelters, or helping with things around the house, or even babysitting some children.
The key takeaway is to fill most of the empty time that former prisoners have after being released.
The last and one of the most important ways to help a released inmate is to look out for negative mental health signs.
Many prisoners come out of prison with mental health problems, or rather develop them as they attempt to integrate back into society.
Many may feel left out or unable to adjust, thus falling into a downward spiral.
Feeling rejected from prior family and friends is a major catalyst for a lot of mental health issues developed by former prisoners.
The main way to help the loved one avoid or cope with these mental health issues is to help them understand that patience is key and that they are not defined by their past actions.
Many may think that they can never succeed because of their past but that is not true. Consistently trying and never giving up is crucial in adapting to life outside prison.
Overall, following these simple tips can go a long way in integrating your loved one back into society!