John Doe is the typical illustration of cases that confront the Corrections Department. In assisting him, the primary objective should be meeting the overall goal of the department. That is, he has to be settled permanently and given a valuable place in society.
Given his competency in mechanical engineering received from the certificate course he underwent in prison, I would use the department of public works in the state to offer him employment that would be commensurate to the qualification and experience. I would put up a strong case for him given his discipline records in the prison and the fact that he took the trouble to get the training.
I would encourage for John Doe to join the local vocational clubs and churches. This is because having been out of society, the best re-entry mechanism would be through vocational activities and indulgence in church activities. However, these he shall join only at his own volition. It would be prudent to introduce him to these organisations. In that connect, I would give him introductory letters duly signed by my office. This would give him the legitimacy and earn him some trust in the face of the organisations’ leadership.
Finally, since John Doe lacks money, I would request for the corrections department to serve him with a grant or a loan. This could be from the income earned from his craftsmanship during his stay in prison or from the Corrections Department budget. All these activities I would do with additional and comprehensive feedback and supervision to ensure the re-entry program is smooth and devoid of any challenges. It would also be essential to have him counselled on management of the family especially in light of the mother’s condition.
References
Petersilia, J. (2008). Prisoner Reentry: Public Safety and Reintegration Challenges. The Prison Journal, 81(3), 360-375.
Seiter, R. P., & Kadela, K. R. (2008). Prisoner Reentry: What Works, What Does Not, and What Is Promising. Crime and Delinquency Journal, 49(3), 10-14.
