Leveraging Community Resources for Successful Reintegration
Introduction
Community services are an essential element for the rehabilitation of parolees and their reintegration into society. They provide people on probation with the necessary support, which, for certain reasons, cannot be obtained from family and relatives. Community resources and services help parolees find work, stabilize their societal position after release, and help avoid recidivism. Therefore, parole officers must be aware of and interact with available resources to assist parolees.
Challenges after Parole
According to the case study, Simon may face some challenges while on probation. One of the main problems can be finding a job and a stable income to meet his needs and pay child support. Since Simon was stripped of his certification as a home health aide due to identity theft, he cannot continue in this field. Therefore, he needs help finding a new job, preferably one that does not require special skills or with the possibility of on-the-job training. In addition, Simon may have problems managing his finances since he needs to pay $18,000 in child support.
Another challenge is the possibility of reoffending. Previously, the parolee was already on probation for car theft, but this did not stop him from committing identity theft. Therefore, the risks of relapse are quite high, given Simon’s previous history. Furthermore, the parolee does not have tight social boundaries so he may need additional emotional support. However, Simon should still try to rebuild relationships with his son and second cousin.
Community Resources and Services
Community resources and services create opportunities for parolee reintegration. For example, there are unemployment offices and job search workshops run by community organizations that can help Simon find a job based on his education and skills. South Carolina Department of Corrections offers programs that guarantee “jobs and training immediately after incarceration” (Harding et al., 2022, p. 17). In addition, some communities provide access to vocational training programs to develop skills in a new field, which may be helpful for Simon as he cannot continue in healthcare.
Moreover, given Simon’s financial situation, he could use financial advisory services for budgeting, controlling spending, and paying off debts. In addition, some states, like California, have special healthcare and housing programs for parolees that provide them with social and material security (Harding et al., 2022). In particular, Simon may need mental health care to reintegrate into society, given his lengthy incarceration. Furthermore, mental health care can help Simon get the support he needs and can help build relationships with his family. Harding et al. (2022) note that community services should not focus on supervision for parolees but on support and social bonding. This approach will help avoid repeating the offense and ensure public safety.
Conclusion
In conclusion, community services have a significant role in completing probation by parolees, and parole officers must communicate effectively with them. To avoid relapses, it is necessary to create optimal conditions for integrating people into society after incarceration. This includes employment, educational, training programs, social support, and mental health care programs. Moreover, each parolee needs to consider individual circumstances and opportunities to provide maximum assistance.
Reference
Harding, D. J., Western, B., & Sandelson, J. A. (2022). From supervision to opportunity: Reimagining probation and parole. The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 701(1), 8-25. Web.