A frican-Americans are incarcerated at rates much higher than other racial and ethnic groups. In 2016, Black males accounted for 41.3% of all prisoners in state and federal prisons in the US. Discrepancies in incarceration rates can be traced back to racial biases in public policy, structural inequality and economic disparity. The current design of the justice system does more to keep people in than rehabilitate. The inequality and economic disparity in predominantly Black urban communities create conditions in which crime fosters. Additionally, the over-policing of Black males, failing educational systems, and the breakup of Black families because of the removal of Black fathers contribute to the lack of opportunity, resources and support. Recidivism rates are high. 43% of inmates return to prison within three years of release. A study in Florida found that for Black males returning to communities with high rates of racial inequality upon release from prison, the likelihood of reengagement in crime increased. The reentry process, or the process of reintegration back into society after re- lease from incarceration, is markedly difficult for Black people, with many factors at play. Restrictions in
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government assistance, lack of access to resources, therapy or substance use treatment programs, limited family or community su- pport, the intersectionality of race and criminal status as well as stigma, mental health and culture all affect their reentry. The restrictions placed on formerly incarcerated indi- viduals include disenfran- chisement, public service ineligibility, student loan restrictions, child custody restrictions, employment restrictions, housing restric- tions and felon registration laws. Research has proven that employers are often unlikely to hire formerly incarcerated individuals, especially minorities. Even employers who do not conduct background checks are likely to avoid specific
groups, such as underedu- cated Black men, due to ste- reotypes. One study found that having a criminal record reduced the likeli- hood of getting called back for a job by 50%. Thus, without stable housing and employment opportunities, many are forced to return to criminal behavior to make ends meet. Once re-entering prison, the cycle continues, making it harder to climb the ladder out. Those who re-enter prison are more likely to lack family support, not receive post-secondary education and to experience basic needs insecurities. Re-entry terms are often longer as well, on top of the already longer sentences Black males face compared to Whites.
Incarceration takes a toll on mental health. Research has shown even psychologically healthy individuals could become sadistic or depres- sed when placed in a pri- son-like environment (Stan- ford Prison Experiment, 1973). The rate of mental illness in those incarcerated is three times the national average, yet programs in prison facilities are lacking and most receive no su- pport upon release. Stigma and hegemonic masculinity also mean Black males are less likely to seek help. The solution, then, is to meet people where they’re at. It is estimated that if we combined jobs, education, and stable housing success, reentry outcomes would improve by nearly 33%.
“Once re-entering prison, the cycle continues, making it harder to climb the ladder out.”
“Therateofmentalillnessinthoseincarceratedisthreetimes the national average, yet programs in prison facilities are lacking and most receive no support upon release.”
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