Counseling And Other Resources For Exoffenders

By Elizabeth Hill


Preparing for the release of a loved one can often be beneficial to re-entry. For, it is not only resources for exoffenders which are important, it is also loved ones of the ex-offender. As such, there have been eight ways discovered which can help an exoffender and loved ones during the re-entry process.

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.

Most individuals being released from jail or prison will be on probation or parole. If so, more than likely there will be a series of conditions placed on the exoffender. In most cases, these conditions include community service, a mandatory job search, drug and alcohol tests, electronic monitoring, curfews and geographic limitations on travel.

Saving money towards a loved one's release can often be extremely helpful once the individual is released. For, depending on how long the individual has been incarcerated, it can often take a long time before the individual can readjust to life on the outside. As a result, the more help loved ones can provide in the way of cash, housing and transportation will often contribute to the ex-offender's success against violations of parole or probation and future offenses.

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 loved ones become very excited before the release of an incarcerated friend or family member. In most cases, these individuals are envisioning life as it was before the person went to jail or prison. In some cases, things may have not changed. In almost all cases, challenges will eventually arise within the relationship. As such, it is important to have a one-on-one conversation upon release of the individual to discuss any emotional or physical boundaries, limitations or expectations.

With regards to future needs, churches, support groups, job searches, talking with children and counseling, all of these go hand-in-hand. For, counselors can often provide better resources than others when it comes to the proper support group or church. Whereas, loved ones still need to consider future needs of the individual and work together in talking with children.

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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