JUST GOT RELEASED? We Can Help

The United States houses more prisoners than any other industrialized country within the world. Until recently, much thought has not been given to what happens to this population of incarcerated individuals when they have served their time and are released to come home? Making the transition back home and to their communities after being released can present significant challenges to the newly released individual and to his or her family and community. The sad news is that according to National Institute of Justice, about 70% of those who have been released end up back in prison within three years of release.

The double and triple whammy is that previously incarcerated individuals are likely to reoffend, support services in most places are non-existent, and there are serious barriers to employment, housing and even educational attainment. While in prison, individuals often lose contact with familial and other support networks. Often times individuals who spend time in prison go into the penal system with undiagnosed behavioral issues as well as physical health limitations. Likely undetected and untreated while incarcerated, upon release a lack of a support network can exacerbate underlying long term mental and physical health challenges.

Multiple studies being conducted on the recidivism rate of previously incarcerated individuals report a common factor in lowering the rate. The common factor seems to be linked to extreme case management, which may include post-release coaching and health assistance

LIFE of NC, Inc. is an active partner in the Re-Entry Movement across North Carolina and the United States. LIFE serves as the intermediary agency between the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for North Carolina and the Pitt County Local Re-Entry Council (LRC). This means that LIFE is the recognized programmatic deliverer for re-entry as well as the fiscal agent. The LRC is a council made up of the designated stakeholder from across the Greenville/Pitt County Community that collectively can impact recidivism in a positive way (see list of re-entry partners).

As an agency, LIFE provides the following services for individuals who have been incarcerated and are seeking to establish meaningful and healthy life-styles now that they are out.