More Than a Statistic
Jacob Spellis | September 10 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM | Room 2584
The workshop will provide an overview of reentry. Reentry reintegration of ex-offenders into mainstream society from a period of incarceration is a process not an event. The longer one has been incarcerated and the more severe the offense, the more challenging reentry can be. This presentation will deal with the major barriers and challenges faced by the reentry population, and the many roles social workers can play to increase the likelihood of successful reentry. While the needs of the reentry population are not unique (employment, housing, transportation, behavioral and physical health) and shared by many others, a criminal record often creates an additional barrier to obtaining these needs. Emphasis will be given to the role of social workers on both the micro level (providing direct services to individuals) and macro level (community advocacy). The presenter will tell their personal experience on being a convicted felon in Ohio and how they have become a social worker. In order to help this particular population there needs to be an emphasis on reducing the stigma associated with being convicted felons. The presenter will share his research that was conducted in Toledo, Ohio including effective rehabilitation and reentry efforts. It is a study with 67 participants and how they view their treatment and ambitions. Peer support can be affective for convicted felons and the role of mentors need to be addressed for convicted felons. This workshop will help demonstrate the change of people and motivate for success.
Objectives:
1) To understand the specific barriers that the reentry population faces;
2) To see the important role that social workers play in successful reentry;
To learn about a study and its findings done in Toledo involving reentry.