Obstacles Parolees Face Entering Society

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Obstacles Parolees Face Upon Reentering Society After some years of being imprisoned the day has finally come for the inmate, receiving the privilege of parole. One of the first things a recently paroled prisoner looks forward to is seeing their family and friends. The parolee paints a mental picture of how happy and excited everyone is going to be when they reunite but the sad fact is those images are hardly realized; their loved ones and friends have changed (including the parolee); they have moved away, grown older, moved on in their lives or worse the parolee in a sense has become a “stranger”. Attempting to repair and resume relationships with spouses, children and friends after years away can be difficult, emotionally draining, and in some cases fail. Some parolees become so distressed they often commit new crimes to return to their “sanctuary”: prison. In addition, parolees find it difficult readjusting to freedom. While they were incarcerated they became accustomed to the correctional institution doing everything for them, feeding them, telling them what to do, when to do it, and making every decision for them. Now for the first time in years there is no one there instructing them what do; harsh reality sets in, the parolee must try to figure out what they’re going to do about finding housing, feeding themselves, getting a job. Returning to society after years in prison is a rude awakening, what everyday tasks and events you and I see as part of everyday life the parolee sees as giant obstacles to overcome. In these times of despair parolees often return to their old criminal ways and peers to feel some sense of comfort but end up right back in prison doing so. Furthermore, parolees are having a very difficult time acquiring jobs. Most parolees come out of prison with no useful skills or vocational training. Therefore the only jobs suited for
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