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 eight ways to help a loved one in this way include understanding any restrictions placed on the individual by the court, saving money, restructuring the relationship, locating potential food banks, churches and support groups and assisting in the loved one's job search while talking with children associated with the exoffender. If in the process, the individual violates parole or probation, loved ones need to report such behavior to the parole officer immediately.

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 help the individual once released. For, depending on how long the individual had been incarcerated, it can often take time to readjust to society at large. As such, having a little bit of cash can often be helpful when going through a job search or meeting with a parole officer, especially when in need of bus fare, food or gas.

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 often, loved ones become very excited over a loved one's release from jail or prison. In most cases, loved ones are envisioning the relationship with the ex-offender as it was before the individual was incarcerated. While things may not have changed as much for those whom have only been incarcerated for a short period of time, individuals incarcerated for six months or longer often have difficulty when it comes to re-establishing past relationships.

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.

In most cases, there are also a number of websites which can provide a list of services for exoffenders in the local area. For example, information on how to find a job after prison, resume writing courses, how to ace an interview and ten companies which will provide second chance jobs to those with a limited criminal record. Whereas, there are other programs directed toward community service work, emotional and physical health and volunteering.




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