Newly Released

Coming out of prison after 10 or 20 years is an incredibly complex and profound experience. The feelings that come with stepping out into the world after two decades behind bars can range from excitement and hope to anxiety and fear. Let’s discuss and explore the many feelings that someone who has just been released after 20 years in prison might feel, as well as the important steps they need to take to adapt to life outside of prison.

Newfound freedom often brings feelings of overwhelming joy. After so much confinement, being able to see the open sky, walk without restrictions, and have the choice to do anything can be incredibly liberating. There is a deep sense of gratitude that the sentence is over and that there is now a chance to start a new life.

However, along with that joy, there are often feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. The world outside of prison can feel foreign and intimidating, especially if someone has spent a long time in prison. Much has changed in 20 years—technology, culture, even everyday language can feel different. The uncertainty of how to adapt to all of these changes can create deep feelings of anxiety.

There is also a sense of loss that may be felt. Although freedom has been gained, the 20 years that have passed cannot be regained. One may feel that one has lost time, lost the opportunity to be with family and friends, or even lost the chance to live a different life. This sense of grief often overshadows the joy of newfound freedom.

Those who have just been released from prison may also experience fears of social rejection. The stigma of being an ex-convict can be very strong, and there is a fear that society will not accept them with open arms. This fear can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Amidst all of these complex feelings, there is hope. The hope of starting a new life, righting past mistakes, and building a better future. This hope can be the driving force for someone to move forward and adapt to life outside of prison.

There are Several Steps to Take After Getting Out of Prison

1. Develop a Life Plan
   The first step that needs to be taken is to develop a life plan. This plan should include short-term and long-term goals, as well as concrete steps that need to be taken to achieve them. For example, if someone wants to get a job, this plan should include steps such as updating a resume, seeking skills training, and applying for jobs. This plan will provide direction and purpose, helping a person stay focused and motivated.

2. Seek Social Support
   Getting social support is another crucial step. Support from family, friends, or community groups can be very helpful in the adjustment process. They can provide much-needed emotional support, practical advice, and morale-boosting support. Additionally, joining a support group for ex-offenders can be a great way to share experiences and get help in overcoming the challenges they face.

3. Seeking Professional Help
   Sometimes, professional help from a psychologist or counselor is also needed. They can help a person deal with feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma that may arise after leaving prison. Counseling can also help a person develop healthy and effective coping skills.

4. Improving Skills and Education
   Updating or improving skills and education can be an important step in preparing to re-enter the workforce. Taking training courses, attending educational programs, or getting certified in a particular field can help improve your chances of finding a good job. It can also be an effective way to build self-confidence and independence.

5. Managing Finances
   After leaving prison, managing finances can be a big challenge, especially if a person does not have a stable source of income. Therefore, it is important to create a budget, avoid debt, and find ways to save. Seeking financial advice from a professional or non-profit organization can also help in managing finances better.

6. Restoring Family Relationships
   Restoring family relationships that may have been damaged during your sentence is also an important step. This can take time and effort, as well as open and honest communication. Family can be a strong source of support, but it takes understanding and patience from both parties to rebuild the trust and closeness that may have been lost.

7. Maintaining Physical and Mental Health
   Maintaining physical and mental health is also very important in the adaptation process. Exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can help a person feel better physically and mentally. It is also important to avoid bad habits such as alcohol or drug use, which can exacerbate existing problems and hinder the adaptation process.

8. Avoiding Risky Situations
   After leaving prison, it is important to avoid situations that could lead to breaking the law or risky behavior. This could include avoiding people involved in illegal activities, staying away from dangerous environments, or avoiding situations that could trigger stress or conflict.

9. Rebuilding Self-Identity
   During the 20 years of incarceration, a person’s identity may have changed or become distorted. After leaving, it is important to rebuild a positive and healthy self-identity. This may involve rediscovering interests and hobbies that may have been forgotten, exploring new values ​​and goals in life, and building a strong, positive self-image.

10. Stay Patient and Committed
    Finally, it is important to remain patient and committed to the process of adaptation. Major changes do not happen overnight, and the journey will likely be fraught with challenges and obstacles. However, with patience, determination, and the right support, a person can successfully adapt and build a meaningful life after leaving prison.

Coming out of prison after 20 years is an incredibly emotional and challenging time. Feelings can range from joy and hope to anxiety and fear. However, by taking the right steps—such as developing a life plan, seeking social support, seeking professional help, improving skills, and taking care of your health—a person can successfully adapt to life outside of prison and build a better future. It’s important to remember that this process takes time, patience, and persistence, but with commitment and determination, a new and better life is possible.

Providing severance pay or financial assistance to inmates upon release is a complex and interesting topic. There are arguments for and against the idea, and considering them thoroughly can help you understand whether this is a step that governments should take.

Coming out of prison, especially after a long time, can be extremely challenging. Newly released inmates often lack the financial resources, skills, or social networks to start a new life. Providing severance pay can provide the initial capital needed to rebuild their lives. This can be used for things like finding housing, starting a small business, or continuing their education, all of which can help them better reintegrate into society.

Many ex-offenders re-offend due to economic hardship and lack of opportunities. By providing severance pay, the government can help reduce the financial pressures they face, which in turn can reduce their risk of returning to crime. When ex-offenders have the resources to start a better life, they are more likely to avoid behaviors that could land them in prison.

The initial investment in severance pay can have long-term benefits for society. When ex-offenders successfully reintegrate and become financially independent, they can contribute positively to the economy through employment or the businesses they start. It can also reduce the costs to the government and society associated with the criminal justice system, such as the cost of incarceration if they re-offend.

Many prisoners have families who depend on them. Severance pay can be used to support their families and help restore relationships that may have been disrupted during their time in prison. With this initial capital, ex-offenders can become providers for their families, which is essential for their mental and emotional wellbeing.

One of the main arguments against providing severance pay is an ethical and fairness issue. Some may argue that providing severance pay to ex-offenders could be seen as rewarding their criminal behaviour, which could send the wrong message to society. There are concerns that this could undermine principles of justice by financially benefiting people who have broken the law.

The use of public funds to provide severance pay to ex-offenders can be a controversial issue. Some may feel that the money should be allocated to other more pressing programmes or wider community benefits, such as education, health or infrastructure. Governments should consider whether this is the most effective use of funds and whether there are more efficient ways to support the reintegration of ex-offenders.

There is also a risk that severance pay could be misused by ex-offenders, particularly if they do not have adequate financial management skills. Without proper support and education, there is a chance that these funds could run out quickly or be used for unproductive purposes, which ultimately does not help them in the long run.

Managing severance programs for ex-offenders can be a complex and expensive task. Governments need to develop clear criteria to determine who is eligible for severance, how much it should be, and how the funds will be distributed and monitored. In addition, there needs to be a mechanism to ensure that the funds are used appropriately and effectively.

If providing direct severance is considered controversial or impractical, there are several alternative or complementary solutions that can be considered:

1. Training and Education Programs
   Rather than providing direct severance, governments can focus on providing training and education programs that can help ex-offenders improve their skills and become more competitive in the job market. This could include technical skills training, continuing education, or entrepreneurship programs.

2. Entrepreneurship Assistance
   Governments can offer assistance in the form of grants or microloans specifically targeted to ex-offenders who want to start small businesses. This can be complemented by business coaching and mentoring support to ensure the success of their businesses.

3. Social Support and Counseling
   In addition to financial assistance, ex-offenders can also benefit from social support and counseling to help them cope with the psychological and social challenges they face after leaving prison. This can include counseling services, support groups, and mentoring programs that help them reintegrate into society.

4. Temporary Assistance
   Governments can offer temporary assistance in the form of vouchers for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing, until they are financially independent. This can help reduce the initial stress they face after leaving prison.

Providing severance pay to ex-offenders on release has the potential to be of great benefit in supporting their reintegration into society, reducing the risk of reoffending, and helping them build a better life. However, it also raises ethical and practical questions that need to be carefully considered.

Governments should carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider alternatives or additional programs that may be more effective in achieving the same goals without causing controversy. The most important thing is to ensure that ex-offenders get the support they need to successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive and meaningful lives.