Resources for Successful Reentry: Websites for Returning Citizens
Returning to society after incarceration can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for individuals. Successful reentry requires access to resources and support networks that can help returning citizens reintegrate into their communities, find employment, secure housing, access education and training, and address various needs. In the digital age, the internet has become a powerful tool for information and assistance. In this article, we have compiled a list of websites that are explicitly helpful to returning citizens, offering a wide range of resources, guidance, and opportunities for a successful reentry.
National Reentry Resource Center (https://csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/)
The National Reentry Resource Center, a project of the Council of State Governments Justice Center, serves as a comprehensive hub of resources for individuals and organizations involved in the reentry process. The website offers research, policy analysis, training materials, and practical tools for successful reentry, focusing on areas such as employment, education, housing, health, and family reunification.
The Inside Influence (https://volunteer.reentry.gov/)
The Inside Influence is an official website of the U.S. Department of Justice that provides vital information and resources for individuals transitioning from incarceration back into their communities. The site features a directory of reentry programs, state-specific resources, legal assistance, employment guidance, and connections to support services, enabling returning citizens to access the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
The Fortune Society (https://fortunesociety.org/)
The Fortune Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting successful reentry and promoting alternatives to incarceration. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including job training programs, employment assistance, housing resources, counseling services, and educational opportunities. Additionally, the site provides a platform for community engagement and advocacy, empowering returning citizens to become agents of change.
Prison Fellowship (https://www.prisonfellowship.org/)
Prison Fellowship is a Christian organization that seeks to restore individuals affected by crime and incarceration. Their website offers practical resources for returning citizens, including reentry guides, employment assistance, mentoring programs, family support resources, and access to community-based services. The organization's faith-based approach also provides spiritual guidance and support for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children (https://www.prisonerswithchildren.org/)
Legal Services for Prisoners with Children is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals and their families. Their website provides legal resources, information on family reunification, assistance with parole and probation issues, and guidance on navigating the challenges of reentry. The organization also advocates for policy changes to improve the reentry process and promote fair treatment for returning citizens.
The Safer Foundation (https://www.saferfoundation.org/)
The Safer Foundation is a Chicago-based organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and supporting successful reentry. Their website offers comprehensive resources, including employment services, vocational training, housing assistance, mental health support, and educational opportunities. The organization also provides individualized support to address the unique needs of returning citizens and collaborates with employers to create employment opportunities.
The National Employment Law Project (https://www.nelp.org/)
The National Employment Law Project focuses on promoting employment opportunities for individuals with criminal records. Their website offers a variety of resources, including state-specific guides to employment rights, strategies for job seekers with records, policy recommendations, and information on ban-the-box initiatives. By advocating for fair hiring practices and removing barriers to employment, the organization aims to support returning citizens in their reentry journey.
The Prison Policy Initiative (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/)
The Prison Policy Initiative is a research and advocacy organization that works to expose and address the harmful impact of mass incarceration. Their website provides comprehensive research, reports, and data on various aspects of the criminal justice system, including reentry. The organization's resources can help returning citizens and policymakers gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding reentry and inform evidence-based solutions.
Returning citizens face numerous challenges as they strive to reintegrate into society after incarceration. Fortunately, the internet offers a multitude of resources to support successful reentry. The websites listed in this article provide valuable tools, information, and assistance in crucial areas such as employment, education, housing, legal support, and community engagement. By utilizing these online resources, returning citizens can access the support they need to navigate the complexities of reentry and build a brighter future.
Source: Anthony P. Carnevale, Nicole Smith, and Jeff Strohl. (2013). Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020. Retrieved from https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Recovery2020.FR_.Web_.pdf