Life of ex-offenders is associated with various difficulties due to the numerous challenges they have to face after incarceration. In this case study, Simon will suffer financial and psychological problems before he can successfully reintegrate into the community. First, Simon will feel the lack of emotional support from family members, as the nearest relative lives 600 miles away. Second, Simon will have problems finding employment. According to Doleac (2016), employment is among the top concerns of ex-offenders, as employers often discard applications from anyone who has a criminal record. Moreover, employers also fear negligent-hiring cases that can cause severe damage to companies if they hire ex-inmates (Sondik, 2016). Even though this problem was partially addressed by the “Ban the Box” initiative, Simon will still feel the challenge of finding a suitable job. Third, even after finding a job, Simon will most likely struggle to find a place to live in. There are no relatives in the area that can provide temporary housing, and Simon will have a portion of his wages garnished to pay the $18,000 debt of child support.
In North Carolina, there are several community resources that can help Simon to reenter the community successfully. For instance, the Center for Community Transition (CCT, n.d.) offers a variety of services that can help Simon in his situation. In particular, CCT (n.d.) offers employment readiness workshops that can help to identify one’s professional brand, answer the conviction questions, network with employers, and develop better decision making. The organization offers psychological help through the Seeking Safety initiative, which helps to manage the effects of trauma and substance use (CCT, n.d.). The Center also refers people who seek assistance to partners that provide temporary housing and treatment if needed (CCT, n.d.). CCT also helps with the transportation of ex-offenders. In other words, CCT can address the entire spectrum of problems Simon may have after serving seven years in prison.
According to Exoffenders (2014), North Carolina had ten reentry and assistance programs that work on a different basis and address various problems in 2014. Apart from CCT, these programs were provided by Goodwill NC Project Reentry, Barnabas House, Coastal Horizons Center, Inc., Community Success Initiative, Exodus Homes, and others (Exoffenders, 2014). Even though all of these programs can be helpful for Simon, CCT seems to be the most appropriate option as it helps to address all the problems Simon may have in one touch. If CCT does not have resources to address a particular issue, it will refer Simon to its partners.
In comparison with North Carolina, South Carolina has a smaller number of organizations that provide reentry support. According to Exoffenders (2016), the state has only six organizations that offer such community resources. However, South Carolina provides specialized help that North Carolina does not offer. In particular, Magdalene House of Charleston provides services specialized for women only. Helping special populations to reenter is crucial as they may have unique challenges that should be addressed. Therefore, North Carolina can benefit from introducing reentry programs for special populations, such as women and ex-offenders with substance use disorder or mental health issues. However, all the resources and services that can be helpful for Simon offered in South Carolina are also available in North Carolina.
References
Avery, B. (2019). Ban the Box: U.S. cities, counties, and states adopt fair hiring policies. National Employment Law Project.
CCT. (n.d.). LifeWorks! Center for Community Transition. Web.
Doleac, J. (2016). “Ban the Box” does more harm than good. Brookings.
Exoffenders. (2014). North Carolina reentry programs and assistance.
Exoffenders. (2016). South Carolina reentry programs and assistance.
Sondik, K. (2016). Ban the Box leaves employers liable for negligent-hiring lawsuits. New York Times.