How the Formerly Incarcerated Re-Enter Society

Just over half of the African American male population in New Orleans is unemployed, partly because of former encounters with the criminal justice system that make it incredibly difficult to find work. In the city, there are a handful of organizations that work to help prisoners upon their release through forms of support like housing and job training. "Basically, everybody in my community is in prison," says Dianne Jones, who heads one of the first re-entry programs to serve women in New Orleans. "As a black mother, I feel as if the system was designed to fail me here." In this short documentary, we uncover the processes and pitfalls of re-entering society after being incarcerated.

[realmrssmith]

My sweetie was incarcerated for 8 years and I thank GOD everyday for him, what a wonderful man. Don't give up on someone who was incarcerated.

[thekaerichtexas]

thank u so much for highlighting this issue. it is so important.

[dukeduke]

This is a good program.... my good friend just did 20yrs.... he may have been out almost 2yrs and right bck in the system... I think he couldn’t handle the real world.... if u don’t have a job and people that love u, it’s really hard on a person

[ColbyLamar]

Bro have reconstruct history for Generations to come, Thanks most definitely 💯

[Actingskint]

My full suppport to these men attempting to change the situation. There is no perfect solution to the problems, but when you see the success they have achieved by reforming men, who would have certainly re offended, it is a remarkable achievement. I do not live in America, so obviously I have a Ltd grasp of the issues faced by the legal system, the police forces etc .... but you have to really ask some searching questions about the sentencing policy in a place.The long sentences imposed In many states of 20 years upwards for some offences rarely work . I saw a guy on here sentences to life for a third strike minor petty offence . America o believe has the highest percentage of people behind bars in the western world . The figures keep rising, so prison alone is not tja answer is it . 82 men so far in this programme who have no re offended . 82 men who are not draining recourses from the community . They are productive members of society instead of going round and round the system in and out in and out . I think it's about time more money was put into the cause of these offences and giving people a purpose to their lives. People with purpose give something back .

[Lady-Carmakazi]

Does anyone know where a person that's been released from prison can get help or a loan to help them with housing. Need help for a recently released mother with 2 children in Indiana.

[moreycleveland]

U GOT TO LOVE IT WHEN THEY SAY THAT THEY DID NOT COMMIT THE CRIME

[Soulfolder]

How does someone think, feel, sense after a period of years in jail?

[marleenbartley]

How judgmental some of us can be!
Some of us have lost our humanity - see it in the comments!
Many of us who have never been imprisoned as some of our
brothers and sisters have been are trapped in a bigger prison of self righteousness, bigotry and hatred.
May the loving God who extends mercy to those who have been released from prison and are trying to redeem themselves show those of us who have NEVER done anything wrong how much we need His forgiveness.
Some of us who condemn others, should have served time in prison but the long arm of the law never caught us.
We ALL stand in need of God's grace.
Let's help another human being whenever we can.

[raleekingfisher]

I'd like to start something like this for thos who get out of jail , . To get them off the streets . But I don't want to stop there I want it to provide help with employment either form in the program or for jobs in the community. It also will help get ides and ss cards, birth certificates. So that they have all the documents necessary to find employment and get drivers license. I don't believe on program alone can do it all alown but united there can come change . I'm ralee Kingfisher and iv been there, iv been to prison 3 times . And by the grace of God I'm not hi or in prison .

[ericmann]

In my opinion, America needs to STOP disenfranchishing the formerly imprisoned, and help them to get affordable housing and gainful employment; also, in my opinion, those who wrongfully imprison people should be incarcerated for the rest of their lives.

[rabidfarmer]

Oh...so they are saying i should open up my wallet throw money at these derelicts so they can be better? How about if you never did the crime to begin with assholes? i have no sympathy for criminals...at all.

[orangemoonglows]

i wonder what dianne is doing to keep her little girl from becoming a statistic. is she making sure the little girl studies, reads, speaks well and gets good grades in school? she can do this. once you get caught up in the system, it's true nobody cares to help you. but, the question is, what is she doing for her child to help her avoid getting caught up?

[rabidfarmer]

If you dont build a future for yourself or your family then you are SOL. Dont blame society.