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Prison Reform: The responsibility of Society.

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Equal Opportunity for Former Inmates

Position Statement

Framework for Prison Reform and Custodial Responsibility

1. Acknowledging Reality

Some incarcerated individuals should ever be released. If a person poses a continuing threat to society—regardless of how they developed that way—they must remain restrained to prevent harm to others. Public safety must always be the first priority.

2. Multi-Step Custodial Process

There should be several structured steps in the process of imprisonment and release, each designed to respect human dignity and promote rehabilitation:

  • Step 1: Primary Facility
    A main structure that ensures humane treatment for individuals during their full term of incarceration.
  • Step 2: Pre-Release Facility
    A second facility for those nearing release, focused on preparing them for reintegration through education, counseling, and vocational training.
  • Step 3: Transitional Facility
    A third stage that bridges the gap between incarceration and freedom, offering supervised independence and community re-entry programs.

(Note: This system already exists in some form, but each step requires serious modernization and improvement.)

3. Specialized Care for the Criminally Insane

There must be a separate structure for individuals who are criminally insane or whose likelihood of adjustment is extremely low. These individuals require constant restraint to prevent harm to themselves and others.
However, even in these cases, confinement should be tiered based on standardized assessments of risk, allowing for varying levels of security and care depending on the individual’s condition.

4. Guiding Principle

All facilities and processes must uphold respect for the humanity of the incarcerated, regardless of the length or nature of their custody.

 

Continuing with Equal Treatment and opportunity

An example of equal opportunity:

 

Employment:

A company should not be allowed to refuse employment to a former inmate solely because they were in prison. If someone has served their sentence and been deemed rehabilitated, they deserve the same opportunity to rebuild their life as anyone else.

However, reasonable exceptions must apply. For example, a person convicted of drug dealing or manufacturing should not be employed by a legitimate pharmaceutical company. Common sense should guide these exceptions, ensuring both fairness and public safety.

Basic Support After Release

When individuals are released from prison, they should have access to essential resources, especially if they lack family support. This includes:

  • Housing: No rent or housing charges during the initial reintegration period.
  • Basic Needs: Free access to food, clothing, and other necessities for living.
  • Transportation: Provide public transportation passes until they can afford their own means of travel.

These measures ensure that former inmates have a foundation to start over without being forced back into crime due to poverty or lack of opportunity.

Changing Public Perception

Society must be re-educated on how to think about former prisoners. If someone is free, it means they have been deemed rehabilitated. They are not the same person who committed the crime—they have paid their debt and deserve dignity and respect.

Addressing Repeat Offenders

For individuals who continue to commit crimes, special consideration should be given to the possibility that they are career criminals and may not respond to rehabilitation. Even so, they remain human beings with families who love them. They should still receive humane treatment and opportunities for change because transformation is always possible.

The Bigger Picture

The United States houses nearly 25% of the world’s prisoners, which signals deep societal problems. Here are some contributing factors:

  • Drug Trafficking: Illegal drugs flowing across our southern border.
  • Media Influence: Hollywood glamorizing gang culture, drug dealing, and violence—especially targeting vulnerable youth.
  • Family Breakdown: Parents failing to parent effectively.
  • Church Neglect: Churches not teaching children the truth of Scripture.
  • Secularization of Education: Liberal ideologues removing God from schools and promoting the idea that intellectual elites are “above” believing in God or Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Prison reform is not just about changing laws—it’s about changing hearts, minds, and systems. We must address root causes, provide real opportunities for reintegration, and restore a sense of moral responsibility in families, churches, and communities.

Policy Proposal: Comprehensive Prison Reform and Reintegration Support

Title:

Prison Reform: The Responsibility of Society

I. Purpose

To establish a fair and humane system that supports the reintegration of former inmates into society, reduces recidivism, and addresses systemic issues contributing to mass incarceration in the United States.

II. Guiding Principles

  1. Human Dignity: Every person, regardless of past mistakes, deserves respect and an opportunity to rebuild their life.
  2. Rehabilitation Over Punishment: If an individual is released, they have been deemed rehabilitated and should be treated accordingly.
  3. Equal Opportunity: Employment and housing discrimination based solely on prior incarceration must be prohibited.

III. Policy Objectives

  1. Employment Access
    • Prohibit companies from refusing employment solely because of a prior prison record.
    • Encourage tax incentives for businesses that hire former inmates.
  2. Basic Needs Support
    • Provide temporary housing at no cost for individuals without family support.
    • Ensure free access to food, clothing, and essential living items during the reintegration period.
    • Offer public transportation passes until individuals can afford their own transportation.
  3. Public Education
    • Launch campaigns to re-educate society on rehabilitation and second chances.
    • Emphasize that freedom indicates rehabilitation and readiness for reintegration.
  4. Repeat Offenders
    • Implement individualized assessments for repeat offenders to determine rehabilitation potential.
    • Continue humane treatment and support, recognizing that change is always possible.

IV. Addressing Root Causes

The U.S. incarcerates nearly 25% of the world’s prisoners, signaling systemic issues. Contributing factors include:

  • Drug Trafficking: Illegal drugs entering through the southern border.
  • Media Influence: Hollywood glamorizing gang culture and crime.
  • Family Breakdown: Lack of parental involvement and guidance.
  • Church Neglect: Failure to teach moral and spiritual principles.
  • Secularization of Education: Removal of God from schools and promotion of elitist ideologies that dismiss faith.

V. Implementation Strategies

  • Government Funding: Allocate federal and state resources for housing, food, and transportation programs.
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborate with nonprofits, churches, and local organizations for mentorship and support.
  • Legislative Action: Pass laws banning employment discrimination based on incarceration history.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Use media and educational programs to reshape societal attitudes toward former inmates.

VI. Expected Outcomes

  • Reduced recidivism rates.
  • Increased employment and housing stability for former inmates.
  • Greater public understanding and acceptance of rehabilitation.
  • Long-term reduction in prison population through systemic reform.