The Criminal Justice System’s Responsibility in Employment

The criminal justice system does have a responsibility to help formerly incarcerated people. I believe that the answer to that question is based on one’s opinion regarding the function of that system. Some may believe that it serves to punish criminals for their actions, yet this is far from my position. It must serve to change members of the society that chose wrong behavioral patterns in the society, help them get educated and socialized, and let them out to become normally functioning members of the society. In other case, the system only suspends the criminal activity of an incarcerated individual yet does not terminate it. The main changes should be made in the colonies where criminals should be engaged in productive activities in terms of their social development. The other change that should be done is related to help with finding jobs after being let out of colonies. Perhaps, the government should make initiatives regarding this: offer employers lower taxes or engage the workplaces that depend on the government.

Another issue that should be addressed by the government is housing. The formerly incarcerated should be provided with a place to live for a certain period while they are looking for a job, as they are not capable to afford renting an apartment while they don’t have a stable income (Couloute, 2018). This would help avoid these people from getting engaged into criminal activities again to find money to rent a place. Another action by the government that would help with the employment of former criminals is the act that would restrict employers from discriminating candidates for work because of them being previously incarcerated. Yet, before taking these steps, it is necessary to create conditions in colonies where people will change and be ready to become successful members of society.

Reference

Couloute, L. (2018). Nowhere to go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people. Prison Policy Initiative. Web.