NCJ Number
203707
Date Published
2002
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the barriers to ex-offender employment and the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Consensus Group on Reentry & Reintegration of Adjudicated Offenders.
Abstract
In Philadelphia, the high rate of recidivism speaks volumes about the reentry experience of men, women, and youth that, after a period of incarceration, find little hope and few resources to help them change their lives for the better. In March 2002, a diverse group of public and private sector organizations, agencies, and individuals met to address this problem. The mission statement includes the development and promotion of pragmatic and concrete measures to enhance the participation in society of men and women leaving the Philadelphia Prison System. The consensus group identified significant barriers to successful reintegration faced by offenders, including poor employment skills, drug addiction, homelessness, lack of positive support systems, and outstanding legal issues. The recommendations of the group covered a wide range of issues, grouped into five general subject areas: Personal Responsibility, Pre-release, Legal, Employment, Education and Training, and Community Integration. The findings and recommendations are reflected in the following five general principles. The Philadelphia criminal justice system must rededicate itself to achieving public safety, offender accountability, and the development of competencies necessary for successful reintegration of offenders into the community. The achievement of better and more coordinated services is crucial for offenders in order for them to successfully reintegrate into their communities. To achieve these goals, the criminal justice system must examine and eliminate legal and administrative barriers that unduly inhibit successful offender reintegration. The criminal justice system must find better ways to coordinate and cooperate. The criminal justice system must engage with members and leaders of the community to assist them in rethinking, and playing a more active role in the reintegration of offenders. 16 endnotes