Employment Isn't Enough: Financial Obstacles Experienced by Ex-Prisoners During the Reentry Process. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pogrebin, Mark; West-Smith, Mary; Walker, Alexandra; Unnithan, N. Prabha
• Is Part Of: Criminal justice review. Volume 39:Number 4(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 394
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: prisoner reentry -- corrections -- community-based corrections -- parole -- qualitative methods; Criminal justice, Administration of -- United States -- Periodicals; 345.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0734016814540303
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-0168

Abstract

One of the greatest needs for persons leaving prison and returning to their communities is immediate employment. Although this has been researched and written about by many in the field of criminology and criminal justice, this study, based on interview data obtained from seventy men and women on parole in Colorado, expands on the recognized need for employment by identifying and analyzing the additional collateral financial obligations that are rarely addressed by researchers and correctional practitioners. In addition to describing barriers to obtaining employment, we explore financial obligations that may significantly prevent ex-offenders from gaining an economic foothold, even when employed, including mandatory parole expenses and other debts incurred prior to and after incarceration. Without the ability to meet these financial obligations, many returning former prisoners came to believe they will never achieve economic success. A lack of financial stability and little hope for a better future may significantly affect the ability of many persons leaving prison to successfully reenter society.