What is reentry?
We've all made poor choices from time to time. Hopefully no harm is done, we learn from the consequences, and move on. Sometimes those choices result in harm to ourselves or others, property, or our community. I think we can all agree that some people cause so much damage or harm that they need to be locked away from society to keep us all safe. Others make costly mistakes that deserve punishment and have to be kept from society long enough to get their behaviors, addictions, and other issues under control. Still others commit less serious offenses and can be safely supervised on probation while making reparations to society for their misdeeds. In Missouri, 97% of all currently incarcerated individuals will, at some point, be released from custody. That equates to almost 20,000 people a year, with a total of almost 70,000 individuals on probation or parole supervision. Many offenders take advantage of the numerous opportunities for GED education, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, and counseling while incarcerated or on supervision. However, upon release they often face a number of complications. "Friends" from the old lifestyle have abandoned them because they aren't doing drugs anymore. They have trouble finding a job because they lack interview skills, an education, or transportation. Three-fourths of those released who do not hold down a full-time job end up back in prison within 2 years, compared to only one-fourth who are employed. Other factors for recidivism, such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and lack of a high school diploma/GED are nearly as high. Local reentry partners, including area probation/parole agencies, community service organizations, treatment providers, faith-based organizations, and citizens come together to help break down those barriers in our local communities. After all, these men and women--probationers, parolees, ex-offenders--are our friends, family, and neighbors. Sometimes they just need a hand--not a hand out, but a hand up, to get back on their feet, get a job, or get to treatment appointments or meetings.
So, what is reentry? Reentry is about helping prepare offenders for release from custody and helping them upon their return to our communities so that they can live drug-free, crime-free, productive lives as our fellow citizens. The bonus? Every single day an "ex-offender" lives a productive life and remains in the community saves fellow citizens about $60, the average daily cost of prison incarceration.
Do you have a reentry success story to share with us? We want to hear from you! Your personal information will not be shared without your permission. Contact us.
Reentry to Community
Through multi-agency
collaborations, a shared vision of
public safety, evidence-based
offender management, and
results-driven leadership, the
Missouri Reentry Process is
producing outcomes that prove
Missouri communities are safer
for you and your family.
-Missouri Department of Corrections
