Repetition of crimes and offenses is not alien to criminal and justice systems. In Europe, for instance, studies indicate that in 2011 the re-offending rate was quickly soaring past 50% of the total prison inmates (Shrum, 2012). This re-offending rate has reached disturbing proportions and is worrying not only the prison departments in these European countries but also the governments and societies in general. This trend has necessitated formulation and implementation of programs for the prevention of re-offending. As a community transition specialist contracted by the State Prison to help inmates to transition from prison to community; it is important to examine three prevention programs that will effectively prevent ex-convicts from re-offending as well as help improve their lives after prison.
Housing
For the majority of the inmates, the main reason for committing an offense whether or not in a re-offending case, is solely laid upon surviving pattern (Colorado, 2010). After serving many years in prison, the inmate essentially breaks off with the family ties and subsequently losing their housing and a means of providing a roof over their heads. Upon contact with the outside world, these ex-convicts are turned into social misfits since they have nowhere to get accommodation. As a result, these persons are compelled to commit crimes to obtain a prison sentence, which guarantees them a roof over their heads and daily meals. It is evident that if housing were assured after release from prison, the idea of losing that house by perpetrating an offense would significantly help reduce re-offending cases (Colorado, 2010). It is under these circumstances that a group of partners can work together to set up a center to house newly released inmates to deter re-offending.
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Employment
For a marginalized individual such as an ex-convict, a job is the most significant factor in deterring re-offending (Shrum, 2012). Great efforts are in order to mobilize the public, the private sectors, and other job creators to absorb ex-convicts. This can be done by establishing an effective assessment program for each inmate's knowledge and skills in order to successfully plan for them a vocational training. After successfully training and release, a public and private partnership can be of importance in ensuring the success of this program. To emphasize, independence and autonomy outside prison come about through a stable job (employment).
Maintaining relations with family and the community
A number of studies have correlated the profile of a typical re-offender with his social environment. These studies have finally established that ex-convicts are generally isolated individuals who have broken off with their families and community and who, once out of prison have no support, moreover, from family, friends and the community in general (Bahr et al. 2010). Thus these individuals lack emotional relationships, and prison can seemingly provide a place where they easily understand and quickly integrate. To deter re-offing, there is a need to work on affective associations with the outside prison surroundings: segregation should be counteracted. Thus, the family and community should work hand in hand on accepting and re-integrating a former prisoner into their community life.
References
Bahr, S. J., Harris, L., Fisher, J. K. & Armstrong, A. H. (2010). Successful Reentry What Differentiates Successful and Unsuccessful Parolees?. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology , 54 (5), 667-692.
Colorado. (2010). Statewide pre-release and community re-entry programs . Colorado Springs, Colo.: Colorado Department of Corrections.
Shrum, H. E. (2012). The ex-offender's guide to a responsible life: A national directory of re-entry tips and resources . Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications.
