Recidivism and reentry
Every year, millions of men and women leave America’s state and federal prisons and local jails with the hope of a successful return to society. In 2005, 698,459 individuals passed through prison gates and an estimated 9 million individuals exited jail.
Many former prisoners return to dependent children. In 2001, prisoners released from state or federal prison were parents to 1.5 million children. There are 3.2 million children if inmates released from jail and on parole are included.
The challenges of prisoner reentry are therefore not experienced by released prisoners alone; they are challenges experienced by families that are predominantly low income making transitional housing a necessity.
Reentry after incarceration: by the numbers:
Re-arrested
The percent of people released in 2005 who were re-arrested within 3 years: 68%
Education
Percent of people without a high school diploma, GED or college degree: 25%
Onerus Requirements
Average number of requirements that people on probation must comply with per day, or face re-arrest: 18-20
Homelessness
Rate of housing insecurity among formerly incarcerated: 5.7%
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate among formerly incarcerated people: 27%
Poverty
The strongest predictor for recidivism: Poverty
It doesnt have to be this way
By coming at the problem with a fresh approach, selecting people serious about making a change in their lives, placing recently incarcerated people in middle class homes, and providing sound programming to enact change in their lives, we can turn the corner.