Aftercare

The Problem  |  Aftercare  |  Model

"Findings indicate that many parolees want to change life-styles and are motivated when released. Community and individual factors greatly affect community adjustment."

Harvey McMurray
Journal-of-Offender
Rehabilitation   

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"If a correction program does not include after-care, you are kidding yourself..."

Cheryl Clark,
New York Department of Corrections

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Successful After-Care Programs Provide...

Education

- large numbers of inmates do not read or possess employability or parenting skills

 

Self-Worth, Growth Opportunities

- such as support and problem solving groups

 

A Sense of Belonging

- through community network systems. A "Sense of Belonging" is a powerful emotion. When members of an inmate congregation sense the support and encouragement of outside congregations and volunteers, of being included and treated as equals, they feel empowered to use their individual gifts for the benefit of the community.

 

Role Models of a Healthy Life-style

- most inmates have not seen or experienced healthy families or choices - learning by mentoring is successful

 

A Spiritual Foundation

- any real "change in attitude" in the way a person looks at life has to be spiritual in nature. The gospel of Jesus Christ, with His teachings and parables, lived out by God's people in community (congregations) are a great force for positive change in an individual's life

"You can never do anything for people --

You have to do it with people."

Marianna Burt,
Legal Counsel,
Criminal Justice System of Maryland

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