NCJ Number
175075
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 61 Issue: 2 Dated: June 1997 Pages: 12-24
Date Published
1997
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Barriers that ex-offenders in Seattle experience in returning to the community were examined by means of interviews with persons who had requested assistance from an ex-offender resource center and a telephone survey of 56 community transition agencies, 156 employers, 196 landlords, 22 educational institutions, and 306 citizens.
Abstract
The research was intended as a case study of the relationship between the ex-offender and the community. The study focused on whether ex-offenders have the opportunity to meet their needs in ways that allow them to reintegrate responsibly and ways to improve efforts to meet the needs of both ex-offenders and the community in the reintegration process. Six questionnaires were used to collect the data. Results revealed that ex-offenders as a group have little support from family and friends upon release. Their needs include housing, employment, drug counseling, education, clothing, food, transportation, medical care, auto and health insurance, access to voice mail, and a positive circle of friends. Results also revealed that although Seattle has many resources that ex-offenders can use, barriers such as inquiries about criminal history, community fear and hostility, and the decentralization of transition services make it difficult for ex-offenders to reintegrate responsibly. Findings indicated the need for efforts to educate the community and address fear. In addition, Johnson's model of inmate adjustment can be applied to the ex-offender's adjustment in the community setting and that a resource map and an orientation service would aid offenders engaged in the reintegration process. Future research is also recommended in other communities. Tables, notes, and 54 references