Hood II Hood: Helping Prisoners Transition to Freedom

• In Event: Convict Criminology Session 6: Developing and Leveraging Human Capital Established While Incarcerated

Abstract

Over the last thirty years, the risk of imprisonment and recidivism has increased tremendously. In many cases, a first trip and even a perpetual, long-term cycle or permanent stay can be prevented and avoided. However, once incarcerated, research shows that the collateral consequences of incarceration limit the socio-economic opportunities of former inmates. Educational programs and mentorship opportunities behind bars enable prisoners to develop skills that serve as turning points in their lives. In this talk, we discuss how imparting the lived experiences of former inmates matter for helping at-risk and imprisoned individuals find their inner voices, process their pain and struggles, and recognize, awaken, and pursue their dreams. By “giving back”, former inmates can disrupt the life-course trajectories of youth and adults at risk of criminal justice contact.

Authors

• James L. Burnett, Urbana University

• Nadarajan Sethuraju, Metropolitan State University