What is Recidivism? Recidivism, or a repeat offense by a former inmate, is among reentry social workers' greatest challenges. Personalized reentry programs help released prisoners find the right resources and goals for their lives after incarceration. By establishing such a program, you can help reduce their risk of recidivism, losing social support, and being uprooted. What Are Reentry Programs, and Why Are They Important? Reentry services can reshape people's lives, offering them a fresh start after incarceration. Effective programs can help reduce recidivism rates by overseeing individuals’ transition and providing them with the resources they need. As a result, they'll be more likely to find a solid job, reintegrate with their loved ones, and contribute to society. What Are Reentry Programs, and Why Are They Important? Reentry services can reshape people's lives, offering them a fresh start after incarceration. Effective programs can help reduce recidivism rates by overseeing individuals’ transition and providing them with the resources they need. As a result, they'll be more likely to find a solid job, reintegrate with their loved ones, and contribute to society. The United States has a national recidivism rate of 37.1%, meaning that more than one-third of released inmates are eventually reincarcerated. Support services are extra crucial in states such as Delaware, Rhode Island, and Alaska, where recidivism rates are 50% or higher. Probation and reentry programs are also in place for health and safety reasons. Individuals moving from prisons to communities often need help adapting to their new environment, especially if they've experienced re-traumatization. Societal changes such as COVID-19 measures, rapidly advancing technology, and cultural shifts often create additional barriers. The reentry process can help former inmates identify essential resources, safer practices, and employable skills. Challenges of Prisoner Reentry Though everyone is different, many people struggle to transition to society after being released from prison. Some of the challenges are related to their specific detention facility. Many correctional systems do their best to help individuals rehabilitate, but it's not always enough. Many inmates re-experience trauma, which can be worsened by loud noises, bright lights, and the powerlessness of being unable to leave their environment. An inability to avoid re-traumatization may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. As a result, many experience isolation, conflicts, and an inability to healthily manage their emotions upon reentry. Individuals may also develop new trauma during their time served. Up to 41% of prisoners experience sexual victimization, with female inmates being four times more likely to experience abuse than men. Many inmates also experience physical and psychological abuse from the correctional staff and others in the facility. These factors leave many inmates less prepared for the outside world than when they entered, stressing the need for effective screening. Beyond mental health, inmates may also struggle to adapt to new jobs, changing housing situations, family life, and other societal commitments. For example, one study revealed that only around one-third of individuals released from prison could find and maintain a job after five years. Furthermore, most who did find a job in their first few months earned only 53% of the median U.S. worker's wage. These employment outcomes are caused by harmful stigmas, a lack of vocational skills, lost experience, and other reentry challenges. Types of Reentry Programs Different programs focus on various aspects of reentry, including housing, employment, and health. These different types of support services let social workers focus on inmates' specific needs or comprehensively cover their reintegration.