List and explain the most effective ways that prisoners can prepare for successful reentry

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The best ways that prisoners can prepare for success on the outside while they are still confined are:
1 . Completing meaningful treatment interventions before release—that is, to change thinking patterns, take responsibility for actions, and stop blaming others
2 . Maintaining contact with positive and supportive family members via mail, phone, or in-person visits
3 . Developing a solid prerelease plan, which includes living arrangements and job leads
Parole officers also play an integral role in success. They should not wait until the individual is released to develop a supervision plan. Reentry preparations must move beyond the contemplation stage to actual goal setting and carrying out the plans for release and desistance. Every reentry ledger should have a plan for setbacks when they occur and how an offender will respond. Once a prisoner is released, there are a number of factors shown to reduce recidivism on parole, including concentrated treatment services; cognitive-behavioral treatment programs; strong employment ties and assistance in finding employment; stable relationships with significant family members; assistance in obtaining identification, clothing, and medication; and having mentors available at the time of release.