Second Chance Magazine

Second

Chance

Cybercrime Legislation Are We There Yet?

Female Juvenile Trauma and Delinquency

Forging The Way

3 Biblical Reasons Why Quitting is not an Option

Hope in

God in Your Darkest Time

Battling the shame of substance abuse

IntroDution

O

ver the years life has brought me a ton of challenges. Along the way I’ve had the opportunity to encourage a bunch of great men and women. A few years ago while sitting in a probation and parole office I noticed an unusual quiet in the room.

Many of the probationers sat in silence and in fear as they awaited their turn to see their officer. I sat and observed and an image came to mind that looked as if they were like “sheep headed to the slaughter”. Men and Women who looked as if they had no hope, help, or voice.

I started Second Chance Magazine™ with one goal in mind, to give someone a Second Chance at life. Second Chance Magazine™, is a publication focused on providing its readers, who range from felons to their loved ones, valuable resources for reentry and recovery. It has an eye opening mission to bring the topic of Criminal Justice Reform, its challenges and successes, into to the nation’s spotlight.

Along with this, Second Chance Magazine™ is a source of help for those who have had their lives

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and their family’s lives turned upside down by felonies and bad choices.

In it, readers will find up to date reentry services, programs, and the tools needed for personal and career development. It also features inspirational articles that serve as daily sources of inspiration for everyday living and growth.

With these attributes, Second Chance Magazine™ hopes to expand its reach by partnering with some of the nation’s top second chance programs and influencers of criminal justice reform and reentry. In conjunction with these programs and influencers, the magazine will be able to host job readiness, business, and career development workshops for formerly incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Second Chance Magazine™, The Voice of New Beginnings.

Larry M. Anderson Founder and Publisher

Table of Contents Forging The Way 04 Justice For All »» Cybercrime Legislation: Are We There Yet? 10 »» Systematic Racism and the Criminal Justice System 11 »» Female Juvenile Trauma and Delinquency 12 »» Gun Violence Laws and Gun Violence Rates 14 »» Three Things You Should Know About Criminal Justice Reform 15 »» Reentry 101 16

Faith »» 3 Biblical Reasons Why Quitting is not an Option 17 »» 3 Ways God’s Love Changes you Completely 18 »» About Forgiveness 19 »» Faith and Love 20 »» God in Tragedy 21 »» Developing A Mind Of Christ 22 »» Hope in God in Your Darkest Time 24

Family »» 3 Major Issues Families Deal with and How to fix them 25 »» 4 Things Parents Should Teach Their Children 26 »» How to Build a Great Family 27 »» Ask the right questions when in a prison relationship 28 »» Three Ways Trials Strengthen Your Family 30 »» Why Parents should teach their Children Good Values 32

Reentry Recovery »» 5 Steps to Speedy Recovery 34 »» Battling the shame of substance abuse 35 »» How to build a strong support system 36 »» Don’t take the bait 38 »» Maintaining Healthy Relationships While in Prison 39 »» When Reentry Fails 40 »» Reentry Matters 42 »» Five Ways to Stay Encouraged While Incarcerated 43 »» What You Need To Know Before You Are Released 44 »» Reentry employment barriers: The cost-seen & unseen 46 »» Point of no return 48 »» Recovery Matters 50

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 3

Forging The Way

Forging The Way Jennifer E. Cobbina Jennifer E. Cobbina is an associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. Her primary research focuses on the issue of corrections, prisoner reentry and the understanding of recidivism and desistance among recently released female offenders. Her second primary research area is centered on examining how gender and social context impact victimization risks among minority youth. She is currently a co-principal investigator on a team of researchers that was awarded research grants from the National Science Foundation and the Michigan State University Foundation to examine how probation and parole officer interaction with female drug offenders affects recidivism, rule violations, and changes in crime-related needs. Dr. Cobbina’s work appears in Criminology, Justice Quarterly, Crime and Delinquency, Deviant Behavior, Journal of Criminal Justice, Sociological Inquiry, Journal of Drug Issues, Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, and Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture.

Jocelyn Fontaine Paul Elam Paul Elam, Chief Strategy Officer at MPHI, is an expert in racial and ethnic discrimination, juvenile justice, prisoner reentry, and child welfare.

Elam works with the U.S. Department of Justice Swift and Certain Sanctions initiatives; the Governor’s Committee on Juvenile Justice and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Annie E. Casey Foundation Expanding the Bench Initiative and the Michigan Department of Education African-American Young Men of Promise Initiative. Previously, Elam consulted with the Michigan Coalition for Race Equity in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice, the Michigan Child Welfare Improvement Task Force and the Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative. He has published numerous reports on topics ranging from racial imbalances in child welfare and juvenile justice to prisoner reentry. Elam received his Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. in Criminology, Family and Child Ecology, Criminal Justice and Urban Studies from Michigan State University.

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Jocelyn Fontaine, Senior Research Associate at the Urban Institute, is an expert in community-based crime reduction and reentry initiatives, vulnerable populations and mixed methods research methodologies.

Fontaine has directed several multisite evaluations of innovative crime reduction and reentry programs. She worked on corrections issues under the Pew Charitable Trusts’ Public Safety Performance Project after serving as a research assistant in the Office of Research and Evaluation at the National Institute of Justice.

Fontaine currently serves as an adjunct assistant professor in Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.

She has published dozens of research reports and briefs with the Urban Institute. Fontaine received her Ph.D. in justice and public policy from the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Forging The Way Howard Henderson

Creasie Finney Hairston Creasie Finney Hairston, Professor and Dean at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois at Chicago is an expert in families and the criminal justice system and social welfare polices and services.

Hairston served as Associate Dean at the Indiana University School of Social Work and on the faculties of the University of Tennessee, West Virginia University and the State University of New York at Albany. She worked with male prisoners at Tennessee prisons to develop parent education and support groups and in 2006 received the International Community Corrections Association’s E.B. Henderson Presidential Award. She is the editor of the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation and is on the board of directors for Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), the African American Family Research Institute and the Illinois Academy of Criminology. She has been published in numerous academic journals, including the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, Women, Girls, & Criminal Justice and Administration in Social Work. Hairston received her Ph.D. and M.S.S.A. from Case Western Reserve University and B.S. from Bluefield State College.

Howard Henderson, Professor of Justice Administration and Director of the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University, is an expert in race and ethnicity, prisons and jails, probation and parole, community and program development and mass incarceration.

Henderson has consulted with several organizations, including the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Mental Health Jail Diversion Program, Baylor College of Medicine’s Initiative on Neuroscience and Law, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Multidisciplinary Board, where he was a member of the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Labor’s Prison Reentry Initiative. Currently, Henderson serves as the Chair of the Houston Racial/Ethnic Disparities Committee Data Workgroup funded by the MacArthur Foundation.

Henderson has been published in numerous journals, including the Journal of Criminal Justice, Policy, Practice & Research, and Sociology of Race & Ethnicity.

Henderson received his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University, M.C.J. from Tennessee State University, and B.S. in Criminal Justice from Middle Tennessee State University.

Erin Kerrison Erin Kerrison, Assistant Professor of Social Welfare at the University of California at Berkeley, is an expert in underserved communities, substance abuse, violence, and criminal justice reform.

Kerrison has consulted with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the National Institute of Justice, the Ford Foundation and the Sunshine Lady Foundation. Her mixed-method research investigates the impact that structural disadvantage, concentrated poverty and state supervision has on service delivery, substance abuse and other health outcomes for individuals and communities marked by criminal justice intervention. She is an active member of the American Society of Criminology, the Law & Society Association and the Society for Social Work and Research. She has been published in numerous academic journals, including Women and Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Behavior and Harvard Journal on Racial and Ethnic Justice. Kerrison received her Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of Delaware, M.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from Villanova University and B.A. in Sociology and Philosophy from Haverford College.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 5

Forging The Way Ojmarrh Mitchell Ojmarrh Mitchell, Associate Professor of Criminology at the University of South Florida, is an expert in courts, sentencing, race, drugs and crime. Mitchell previously worked at the University of Cincinnati, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the Urban Institute. He consulted with the national evaluation of the Breaking the Cycle Demonstration Project, the national evaluation of Juvenile Correctional Facilities and an experimental evaluation of the Maryland Correctional Boot Camp. He is a member of the American Society of Criminology and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He has published in numerous scholarly journals, including Journal of Crime and Justice, Justice Quarterly and Crime & Delinquency. Mitchell received his Ph.D. and M.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland and B.A. in Sociology from the University of Washington.

Olugbenga Ajilore Olugbenga Ajilore, Senior Economist at the Center for American Progress, is an expert on the impact of ethnic diversity in policing outcomes, race, police militarization, and the use of lethal and non-lethal force.

Ajilore has been a visiting fellow at the Urban Institute in the Justice Policy Center where he focused on the effects of police militarization of local communities. Ajilore received funding from the Spencer foundation to study peer effects from social networks in adolescent behavior and engagement on topics such as obesity and risky sexual behaviors. He has been funded by the Charles Koch Foundation to analyze the rise of police militarization and its effects on the use of force. Ajilore currently serves as president (2018) of the National Economics Association. His research has been published in numerous publications such as Economics Bulletin, the Atlantic Economic Journal, and the Journal of Regional Analysis and Policy. Ajilore’s work has also been featured in books, such as the Oxford handbook of Economics of Poverty. Ajilore received his Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University and his A.B. in Applied Mathematics and Economics from the University of California at Berkeley.

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Lorenzo Boyd Lorenzo M. Boyd, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven and the Director of the Center for Advanced Policing, is an expert in urban policing, criminal justice systems, and race and crime. Boyd served as a Deputy Sheriff in Suffolk County, Massachusetts and currently serves as a police consultant. He spent eight years as the primary advisor and consultant for the Fayetteville, North Carolina Police Department. He also developed several 40-hour police training modules and promotional assessments for officers of ranks from patrol officer to Assistant Chief. He served as the President of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) from 2016-2017. He has been published in numerous scholarly journals, including the Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, Race, and Justice and Criminal Justice Policy Review.

Boyd received his Ph.D. in sociology from Northeastern University, M.S. in applied sociology and B.A. in sociology and political science from UMass Boston.

Forging The Way Ronnie Dunn

Robert Crutchfield Robert Crutchfield, Professor of Sociology at the University of Washington, is an expert in race and ethnicity, labor markets, urban communities, deviance and social control, social stratification and inequality.

Crutchfield served as a juvenile probation officer and worked as a parole agent in Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Criminology (ASC) and served as the vice president of ASC. He served on the National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on Law and Justice and received a Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington. He is currently on the Board of Directors of The Sentencing Project.

He has been published in numerous scholarly journals including Prevention Journal and the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. He authored Get A Job: Labor Markets, Economic Opportunity and Crime.

Crutchfield received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Vanderbilt University and B.A. in sociology from Thiel College in Pennsylvania.

Ronnie Dunn, Associate Professor of Urban Studies at Cleveland State University, is an expert in urban and social policy, racial profiling, racial inequality, issues affecting children and families living in urban areas, minority populations and the urban poor. Dunn was appointed by the governor to the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board and he serves as the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. He is a member of the NAACP Legal Redress Committee, the Urban Affairs Association, American Sociological Association and Association of Black Sociologists. He has been featured in Who’s Who in Black Cleveland.

He has been published in various scholarly journals including the Journal of Urban Affairs, Journal of Health and Communication and Public Performance & Management Review. Dunn received his Ph.D. in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University.

Shaun Gabbidon Shaun Gabbidon, Distinguished Professor of Criminal Justice at Penn State Harrisburg, is an expert in ethnicity, diversity issues and private security. Gabbidon served as a fellow at Harvard University’s W.E.B. DuBois Institute for Afro-American Research and professor at Coppin State University and the University of Baltimore. He is a member of the American Criminology Society and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) as well as serves as the founding editor of Race and Justice: An International Journal. He has received numerous awards from organizations including the Western Society of Criminology and ACJS. Gabbidon has published scholarly publications, articles and books including Race and Crime, Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice and African American Classics in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He received his Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. in criminology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Citations 1.)Expert Directory. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://crimeandjusticeresearchalliance.org/experts/

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 7

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Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 9

Justice For All

Cybercrime Legislation: Are We There Yet? By: Dorothy Ibia

A

s we celebrate the leaps that modern science and technology continues to make, we also acknowledge the problems that it brings with it. With technological advancements on the rise, cybercrimes have become more and more prevalent. Unlike most other criminal activities where there are visible victims and criminal footprints, it is harder to fish out and bring the perpetrators of cybercrime to justice.

While many attorneys and law enforcers may agree that cybercrime is a radical shift in criminal behavior, it may be difficult to come to a consensus on what cybercrime is. At what point to do you draw the lines and out rightly label a criminal activity cybercrime? One thing we can establish however is that cybercrime involves the use of computer systems and computer networks.

In 2017, the government of New York designed regulations to promote customer information protection as well as the IT systems of private entities.

In recent times, the United State Government has lost billions of dollars to cyber criminals. Ranging from data breaches, to internet fraud, to identity theft, cybercrime cost companies more resources than any other criminal activity in the past few decades.

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Just between 2005 and 2015, data breaches in the US climbed from 157 million to over 750 million.

Cybercrime and US Legislation Currently, the United States has some of the most robust and effective cyber security system. The system boasts of several acts and regulations designed to combat the growth of cybercrime in the US. Prior to 2015, federal legislation had three main regulations: The 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), The 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, 2002 Homeland Security Act including the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). While these regulations were effective in their day, they failed to address certain crimes and their vague wording left room for a lot of interpretation.

In 2014, in an effort to strengthen its cyber security and clamp down on perpetrators of cybercrime, the federal government began to introduce new legislation.

This gave birth to the Cyber Information Sharing Act, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, Federal Exchange Data Breach Notification Act and the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act. In addition to federal legislation, state governments have also taken steps towards strengthening the cyber ecosystem. In 2017, the government of New York designed regulations to promote customer information protection as well as the IT systems of private entities. The New York Cyber Security Regulation took effect in March 2017.

Clearly, the government has been making huge efforts to ensure that organizations are equipped against cyber threats and the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to justice. However, despite all the government intervention, cybercrimes are still at an all-time high.

It is therefore necessary that as individuals, we do our part in protecting our cyberspace. In addition, organizations also need to take proactive measures to ensure security of their data and IT systems.

Justice For All

Systematic Racism and the Criminal Justice System By: Larry M. Anderson of color as those they thought were most likely to be criminals.

O “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

– Martin Luther King Jnr.

ver 50 years later, Martin Luther King’s dreams are still a long way from coming true. In 2016, the Pacific Standard reported that of over 2.2 million incarcerated persons, African Americans made up 27% of this demographic. This number is almost double the current African American population in the US. With these numbers, it becomes very easy to ask, “What if African Americans just commit more crime?” However, an in depth look into the criminal justice system, case files and incarceration numbers will reveal that people of color have been dealt a bad hand when it comes to the leniency of sentencing.

Over the last few years, several studies and research programs have confirmed the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. According to research by R. Hetey and J. Eberhardt, 60% of police “stop and search” incidents have been of people of color. When presented with a series of photographs in a 2004 study, police officers chose the photos of people

In 2016, we watched Brock Turner, a Caucasian male get a slap on the wrist sentence of just six months in county jail for sexually assaulting a female college student. For this same crime, people of color have been handed no less 3 years in prison. In fact, people of colour have gotten stricter sentences for lesser crimes.

We all watch in silence when the past of African American victims of police shootings are dug up all in the bid to make them look less than innocent and deserving of murder. On the other hand, we watch the media, the police an even the courts try to humanize Caucasian perpetrators of violence. “He has always been a good standing member of society”, “His neighbors and classmates confirm that he has a history of mental illness”. Where is this benefit of the doubt when people of color are involved?

While we cannot rule out the fact that some of the incarcerated persons deserved their sentence, we cannot also pretend that there is no bias in the way that criminal cases are handled when people of color are involved. These discriminatory policies are deeply rooted in a historically oppressive system and a system that has been proven to unjustly target African Americans and people of color in general.

According to Elizabeth Hinton, an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, “Racism in the criminal justice system is inherent and undeniable.”

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 11

Justice For All

Female Juvenile Trauma and Delinquency By: Dr. Anne Wade, PhD

I

t has long been assumed that female juveniles and male juveniles enter the criminal justice system as delinquents for very different reasons. One such reason for female offending behavior has been linked to females’ exposure to trauma at a young age.

While many of the risk factors for males apply to females, there are some variations. The risk factors that are consistently correlated with patterns of female juvenile delinquency are those associated with family problems, mental health issues, drug usage, victimization, and exposure to traumatic events (Gavazzi, Yarcheck, & Chesney-Lind, 2006; Holtfreter & Cupp, 2007).

Abram, K. M., Teplin, L. A., Charles, D. R., Longworth, S. L., McClelland, G. M., & Dulcan, M. K. (2004) found that over 90% of females who were taken into custody had been the victim of or witnessed a traumatic act. As a result, there are overwhelming cases of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) associated with female juvenile delinquency. Originally, the view was female juvenile delinquents were just oversexed young girls who were devoid of morals and a conscience. However, research shows the female juvenile delinquents were initially victims who were powerless to prevent the trauma and unable to process the event and get help.

Dixon, Howie and Starling (2005) found females, as compared to their male counterparts, were distinctly impacted by the traumas they were the victim of or had witnessed. Unlike their male counterparts, many of the female juvenile delinquents were sexually and/or physically abused by a family member or caretaker.

Abram et. al (2004) found female juvenile delinquents who were

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Justice For All

not the direct victim, but who had a close family member who was, were impacted by that event.

The juvenile court system has attempted to “save” the juvenile female offender by detaining status offenders, runaways, and other incorrigible behavior. The problem is that many times, the juvenile is merely practicing survival techniques. Running away maybe a reaction to an abusive home. It is important for law enforcement to determine if the runaway is actually running away from something dangerous and upsetting or running to an adventure. While the motivation can be the same, many times it is not. A female who is “running away” may be trying to escape an abusive situation in her home. A female who is “running to” may have an ideal home situation but wants to be with a boyfriend or desires more adventure than her stable home is providing.

These are very different situations and the “runaway” may need a therapeutic intervention.

When the officer and/or the court does not recognize the runaway as a victim rather as a status offender, the juvenile is forced back into an untenable situation. Traditionally female runaways and status offenders have received a harsher punishment from the court. Because of this perception, researchers sought to understand the emo-

tional and psychological needs of the female offenders. Researchers looked for ways to decrease female delinquency and provide protective mental health treatment (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006).

The research points to a primary cause of female juvenile delinquency as the trauma females have been through. Arguments or criticisms point to the timing of the revelation of the trauma. It is easy to say these issues only surface as a defense and therefore are contrived. However, if little is done to discover if females are being or have been traumatized until they comment an offense then the entire system has failed that child.

Early interventions and early discovery could contribute to a reduction of female delinquency, status offenses and sexual behaviors.

The real question is how to make these discoveries if victims are unwilling or frightened to come forward. Should there be programs in the schools that speak to trauma like we have the DARE programs?

Could we anonymously poll females at different ages for them to have a method to determine if programs are needed? Should there be a hotline for girls who feel they need to talk anonymously?

There needs to be a culture of disclosure, of encouragement, of talking about what has happened or is happening.

Abram, K. M., Teplin, L. A., Charles, D. R., Longworth, S. L., McClelland, G. M., & Dulcan, M. K. (2004).

Posttraumatic stress disorder and trauma in youth in juvenile detention. Archives of General Psychiatry, 61, 403-410.

Dixon, A., Howie, P., & Starling, J. (2005).

Trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress, and psychiatric comorbidity in female juvenile offenders.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 44, 798-806.

Gavazzi, S. M., Yarcheck, C. M., & Chesney-Lind, M. (2006). Global risk indicators and the role of gender in a juvenile detention sample.

Criminal Justice and Behavior, 33, 597-612.

Holtfreter, K. & Cupp, R. (2007). Gender and risk assessment: The empirical status of the LSI-R for women. Journey of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 23, 363-382.

Snyder & Sickmund (2006). Juvenile offenders and victims: 2006 national report.

Washington, DC: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 13

Justice For All

Gun Violence Laws and Gun Violence Rates By: Writers for Justice

F

rom the year 2012 to 2016, Amnesty International reported about 1.4 million gun related deaths worldwide. Just last year, about 15,000 Americans were killed by guns.

Mind you, these numbers exclude gun related suicides. If these numbers are anything to go by.

Then it is evident that we have a gun problem on our hands.

In a 2004 review by the National Research Council, it was confirmed that the increase in the prevalence of gun ownerships coincided with the exponential increase in violent crimes. While this may not necessarily establish a causal relationship between gun ownership and violent crime, it is only a game of numbers. If more people have access to guns (especially those with leanings towards violent crime), more peo-

14 | Second Chance Magazine - June 2019

ple are likely to be victims of gun related crimes.

With the worrying increase in gun violence, there have been several talks and suggestions that the US review its stance on gun control. While there have been some attempts to review gun control laws, no significant changes have been made since the Federal Assaults Weapon Ban, which expired in 2014. The USA continues to maintain its stance that every law-abiding citizen has the right to bear a firearm. However, some other countries strongly disagree.

In 2011, a Canadian study revealed a significant drop in gun related homicides with the enactment of gun regulations. The study by Blais, Gagne and Linteau suggested that decreased access to firearms resulted in a decrease in gun related deaths.

Also, following a 1996 mass

Justice For All shooting in Australia, the Australian government proposed and adopted a National Firearm Agreement. This agreement banned the importation, sale, transfer and possession of several types of firearms and also resulted in the government purchasing various firearms from their lawful owners. From 1996 to date, Australia has not recorded a single mass shooting. They have also recorded declining rates in gun related suicides.

After the tragic Christchurch shooting in March, New Zealand wasted no time to review its gun control policies. Within six days, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a ban on all military-style semiautomatic

weapons and high capacity ammunition. Prior to this tragic incident, New Zealand already boasted of stricter gun control laws than the US and all it took to switch that up was this one incident.

The United States has recorded more mass shootings that most nations. In 2017. Gun-related deaths rose a whopping 50,000. Yet, for some reason, it continues to dally around the idea of strict gun control policies.

While there may not be empirical proof that gun control may deter violent criminals, anyone with an inkling of how the numbers game works knows that it will go a long way in curbing firearm-related crimes.

Three Things

You Should Know About Criminal Justice Reform By: Writers For Justice

T

he criminal justice system is continually changing.

Changes occur due to new legislation, shifting social norms, and the overall need to make the criminal justice system better. Criminal justice reform takes an existing criminal justice aspect and makes it better for a variety of reasons. This is not a quick process and involves a lot of moving parts in order to achieve criminal justice reform goals.

There are many aspects to criminal justice reform, but there are three things in particular which you should know in relation to this concept. Three things to know about criminal justice reform (and why this is so necessary) include the following1: 1

• Almost 2.3 million Americans are currently incarcerated: This staggering statistic makes it evident that the criminal justice system is an expansive system and one which needs great attention to detail and many aspects thereof.

• 77% of American prisoners will return to prison within five years upon their release: The Bureau of Justice Statistics shows that this amount of individuals will return to prison in less than five years after serving their sentence.

• Three out of four individuals are unemployed a year after the prison release: When individuals are released from prison, they often have difficulty obtaining a job.

Keeping these things in mind, it’s important to note that criminal justice reform is necessary in order to address these issues in hopes of lowering the incarceration rate, reducing recidivism, and helping inmates to find employment post-incarceration via a variety of methods on an ongoing basis.

https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2018/05/23/five_facts_you_need_to_know_about_criminal_justice_reform_110644.html

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 15

Justice For All

Reentry 101 By: Writers For Justice

In addition to finding a way to get accustomed once again to living outside of the walls, those who have been incarcerated and have just completed their sentence must deal with the politics of reentry. Here are some of the aspects pertaining to the politics of reentry into society2 once an individual has been released from prison:

W It’s important that recently-released inmates have the tools necessary to immerse themselves once again in society and make it less likely that the politics of reentry into society are a factor for them.

hen an individual receives a prison sentence and is currently serving their time in prison, they are mainly focused on getting through the sentence and not looking beyond that point. They are thinking, first and foremost, about finishing their sentence and don’t often think about reentry into society once they are paroled. However, a time will come when the sentence is complete and the individual is released. Just to give you an idea as to the rate of release each day, statistics show that in 2011, there were approximately 1,885 individuals released from state or federal custody each day.1

• Economic barriers • Stigma of having been in prison • Mental health issues • Addiction challenges • Reconnecting with members of the community • Getting re-accustomed to life again outside of prison • Preventing oneself from returning to criminal activity Although not every individual being released from prison will face all of these previously mentioned items, there are many who will encounter these issues when their sentence is complete. It’s important that recently-released inmates have the tools necessary to immerse themselves once again in society and make it less likely that the politics of reentry into society are a factor for them.

https://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/reentry/Pages/welcome.aspx#note1 http://www.aei.org/publication/education-for-liberation-the-politics-of-promise-andreform-inside-and-beyond-americas-prisons/

1 2

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faith 3 Biblical Reasons Why Quitting is not an Option By: Larry M. Anderson

Y Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11: 1-2 (NIV)

ou have every reason to quit, at least that is what it looks like. It is seem better to give up at this point.

happen. But, we should have faith in God.

The situation is out of control and no matter what you try it seems like things are not working out.

But, take a moment and think.

You have been Chosen to Bear Fruit God has chosen you as a vessel that He can use to save souls and change lives. Quitting means that you are giving up on your purpose.

Is quitting the only option left? What does the word of God say about that situation?

Stop focusing on what is happening now and focus on the great plans God has in store for you.

The truth is at times quitting is inevitable but in other situations it is always just an easy option.

God never fails Nowhere in the bible do you find a single person that God failed.

When God has promised you something it will come to pass. It is hard to know how or when it will

It does not matter how long it will take, as long as you believe, it will come to pass.

Stop focusing on the situation, start focusing on God’s word.

Jesus never quit on humanity Jesus knew the kind of torture he was about to experience yet even in the most difficult time in his life on earth he let God’s will prevail.

Be an imitator of Jesus.

When you feel like quitting, ask God to strengthen you.

Will following God’s will over your life be easy?

No, it will not. But it will be worth it in the end.

You will also learn a lot through the situation you are going through and you will become a better person.

The truth is God’s promises will always prevail, so do not quit.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 17

faith

3 Ways God’s Love Changes you Completely By: Writers For Justice You have a desire to change.

Cut off your hair, get a new wardrobe, learn a language, move to a new town, get into a new relationship, get a dog, those are some of the suggestions your friends have probably given you.

You try out most of them, but they are not working.

There is a void in your heart.

It is not that you are not having fun trying out all these suggestions. You feel there is more to life than getting material things.

Rightly so.

You can do everything on the outside to change yourself. But the truth is, real change starts on the inside. The best way to change is by knowing how much God loves you.

done in the past that leave us feeling ashamed.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.

1 John 4:18-19 (NIV)

God’s love changes people completely.

When you know that God loves you completely, the following happens; Shame becomes a thing of the past.

So, there are things we have

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But when you know that God loves you and that Jesus took your shame on the cross, you will not be ashamed of the past.

Of course, the enemy will remind you about it, but that will not affect you.

You become bold You become fearless.

Not that you will not experience fear, but you will not allow it to take you off track.

God will work on your heart and change your desires to align with His plans for you. When you stop doing things for self and start using every chance you get to glorify God, you become bold in faith and actions.

Achieve your dreams and goals You will become confident and start chasing your dreams and goals.

You know that God is with you and as a loving father he wants you to succeed, so you will step out boldly and follow your heart desires.

faith

About Forgiveness By: Larry M. Anderson

D

o you forgive me? It seems the older we get, the less often we ask such a simple question, which is interesting considering the grudges we hold when we’re supposed to be kind to and forgive each other as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32 ).

We as humans are emotional, and when our feelings are hurt we remember the pain we feel and the person who caused it. That pain, if unresolved lingers in our hearts and we begin to resent the person because of their deed, and how the person never apologized, or how we didn’t like their apology...See where

I’m going with this? We purposefully hold on to pain and let it eat away at us.

While the actual reason for conflict may be significant, it is important to remember “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We must not let the mistakes of others or our anger keep us from entering the kingdom of heaven.

The bible mentions several times in many different books in order for God to forgive us, we must also forgive and show mercy to everyone, especially those who don’t ask for it.

In fact, Matthew 18:21-22 reminds us that we are to forgive our broth-

ers and sisters 70 times 7 times each day (490 times). This seems like an excessive number, but it is meant to help us purge hardness, resentment and anger from our hearts. Our goal in life is not to be proven right, our goal is to make it to heaven, recruiting as many people as we can.

The ability to forgive is only possible with the love of God. It is through His power we are able to “repay no evil with evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17). For anyone struggling with forgiveness, I encourage you to pray. Our Father wants to help us in all areas of our life, we only need to ask for His guidance.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 19

faith

Faith and Love

By: Victoria Grace

F

aith and love go hand in hand. All throughout the Word of God, the two are mentioned together. Galatians 5:6 tells us that faith works through love. Therefore it is impossible to have one without the other. Think about it. Christ died for our sins. He paid the ultimate sacrifice because of His love for us. It is by faith that we believe He did this act of love. He died, was buried and rose again. Clearly the two are connected.

As believers, we love God for what He has done for us. By faith, we accept His love and come before Him with our thanksgiving and with our request. We believe by faith that He hears us and will answer us. We trust that He will do what is best for us because

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we know that He loves us. God is love (1 John 4:8).

Let us also take a look at the Fruit of the Spirit. When Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit lives in all of us that believe in the Lord Jesus and have accepted Him as our Savior. The fifth chapter of Galatians teaches us about the fruit of the Spirit, which essentially means that when we have the Holy Spirit abiding in us we operate with certain characteristics. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law�

(Galatians 5:22-23). We can see from this Scripture that both faith and love are characteristics and evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in us. Again, we see that this is another Scriptural example that demonstrates how closely the two are connected.

In our everyday walk as Christians, we serve the Lord with both our love and with our faith. The Holy Bible tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). So we approach God with faith and with love. One does not work without the other.

faith

God in Tragedy By: Cierra Smith

Trust that God knows what He is doing, and believe that even in death, God is good.

L

et’s be honest, it is easy to love God when things in our life are good. The hard part comes in continuing to love and trust Him when a family member is sick or a loved one has died. We often find ourselves bargaining with God, desperately making deals to spare the life of someone in exchange for eternal servitude or church attendance or committing your life to His will. And if we don’t get our way, we curse God and vow to never trust in Him again.

The problem with this behavior is not in being upset. We are human and our emotions are aspects of our humanity; we

all say hurtful things when we’re upset.

The issue is our response to death.

The world sees tragedies as negative, senseless events or punishments that an unjust and cruel God has allowed to happen. That is simply not the case. We are His children and the bible says, “The Lord cares deeply when His loved ones die” (Psalms 116:15). Although we are all destined to die, death is not the end of our journey. Eternal life awaits us because of our belief in God and His son Jesus (John 3:16). So when grieving the loss of life, we should find comfort in knowing that we are to see our loved ones again in heaven.

Prayer is the best way to gain strength, especially when life seems to give us more than we can bare. The Bible says to “Give your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7).

When we find ourselves at a loss of understanding sudden death or tragic events, we are to know that God’s will is perfect and everything happens for our benefit (Romans 8:28). Trust that God knows what He is doing, and believe that even in death, God is good.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 21

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Developing A Mind Of Christ C By: Victoria Grace

hristians have the mind of Christ. The Word of God says in 1 Corinthians 2:1012 that the Holy Spirit has revealed the mind of Christ to those that believe in Him. In other words, believers in Christ and the work He did on the cross have the incredible ability to think like Him. The ability to see things from the Heavenly Fathers point of view, to tap into His amazing wisdom, and to love others just as He did are all benefits that come along with the salvation given to those who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Imagine what this world would be like if everyone learned to think like Christ more often. Even the most mature Christians can find themselves reverting back to the ways of the world at times. It comes along with living in a fallen

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world. The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to think like Christ, but it requires the believer to make a choice. God gives everyone free will. The believer must choose whether they want to operate from a worldly mindset, or from the mind of Christ. The worldly mindset leads to confusion, chaos, discord, frustration and heartache.

The mindset of Christ leads to peace, stability, unity and spiritual breakthroughs.

So how do we develop the mind of Christ? It starts with being in tuned to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in each believer and makes the ways of the Lord known to us. However, we must spend time in the presence of God in order for the Holy Spirit to reveal His ways. It requires a relationship and successful relationships require

faith commitments. As we commit ourselves to prayer and to reading the Word of God, revelations come and our thoughts begin to line up with His. It takes effort, but the benefits that come from the effort and time that we put into the relationship are indescribable. God never fails us.

Spiritual warfare also plays a role in us maintaining a mindset of Christ. Satan is always trying to turn our attention away from Christ and onto the ways of the world. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us that we have to take every thought captive and bring it into the obedience of Christ. There will be temptations. Satan is a master manipulator and is very diligent in trying to distract God’s children. He will go to the extremes to place temptations and other stumbling blocks on our path. Therefore, as Christians we must be equally diligent at filling our minds with the Word of God. Anything that does not line up with the truths of God’s Word should have no place in our life. It is necessary to spend time in the presence of God and in His Word in order to know what is of God and what is of the world.

Having a mind of Christ means that we look at the world from the viewpoint of Love. God is love. Therefore, everything that is of Him starts from a foundation of love. If we find ourselves struggling to love the difficult co-worker, a friend that has hurt us or even a spouse that has betrayed us, it is a clear sign that we need to be more disciplined in our walk with Christ. As that relationship with Him develops more and more, we will begin to view everyone as He does – with unconditional love – and it will become easier to love people regardless of what they have done to us. Having the mindset of Christ also enables us to extend grace and mercy to others. It empowers us to be less self-centered and more giving of ourselves.

It enables us to live life in such a way that others are drawn to Him. As Christians, let us all take a moment to examine our minds. Are we making decisions and reacting to situations based on the ways of the world or based on the ways of Christ? Let us encourage one another to develop the mind of Christ. As a child of the Most High God, the mind of Christ is ours to have but we must choose it. God gives us free will and the ability to think like the world, but the benefits of lining up our thoughts with Gods are life-changing.

When we view things from Christ’s perspective and tap into His wisdom, our lives will be enriched and blessing will flow abundantly.

What steps can you take today to develop more thoroughly the mind of Christ that is in you?

When we view things from Christ’s perspective and tap into His wisdom, our lives will be enriched and blessing will flow abundantly.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 23

faith

Hope in God in Your Darkest Time By: Larry M. Anderson

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hen days seem to be dragging by, people you call friends start avoiding you like the plague, and you are, but a shadow of your former self, hope in God, is all you need.

There those moments in life when things don’t make sense.

It feels like you are barely holding on.

God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)

The challenges we go through will at times make us lose faith.

But the worst that can happen is when you lose hope.

No matter what you are going through keep having hope.

People, seasons and systems will disappoint you, but God will not.

control. He never leaves us in hard times but is there for us.

Life may feel out of control, but God is still in control. Do not go by your feelings but by what God’s word says.

Stop looking at the hopeless situation and look to God. Situations are subject to change.

Know that your situation is not permanent but is subject to change.

Now, conditions start changing when you speak to them. Speak to the situation. Let it know that God is in charge. Get bible verses related to that situation and start confessing the word until things change.

Why should you keep hope alive?

Never give up. Keep trusting in God and remain hopeful even when nothing seems to be happening in the physical realm.

Hope keeps us Going When you are hopeful, you will keep going even when you don’t understand or see a way out of a sticky situation.

Look for things to be grateful for. Thank God for your life if that is all you have left.

God is Still in Control While it feels like God is far away, know that He is still in

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Fix your eyes on Jesus. It will cause hope to rise, and to faith come.

family

3 Major Issues Families Deal with and How to fix them By: Larry M. Anderson

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amily is an essential institution in life because it forms a society. It is vital for all of us to protect our families because they determine the stability of society.

There are issues that can make or break a family. Some of them seem small, but they keep building up into big stuff. If not attended to fast, they can bring a lot of problems. Being there for each other helps you deal with different issues.

Knowing these issues is the first step towards dealing with them. So, what are some of the things that you need to deal with as a family?

Change Change is part of life. It is not bad.

But we handle change differently. While some people love change, others take longer to adjust, because they do not like change at all.

Understanding how each family deals with change is essential it will help you to determine how to help each other out effectively.

Harmful Ideas Most of the information on television, radio, internet, and in books promotes instant gratification and draws people away from their purpose.

Parents need to be careful about the kind of information they are allowing members of their family to consume. You need to promote ethical values in your family, and that means sticking to things that align with your family values even when it comes to entertainment.

Rejection We all get rejected at some point in life.

When a family member has gone through rejection, and they are distressed, because of their beliefs or something else, grieve with them.

Let them know that you share their pain and when they feel better, make them understand that rejection is part of life. Encourage them to continue standing firm in what they believe in and to keep doing what is right. Rejection should not cause them to stop chasing their dreams.

We cannot protect each other from everything, but we can be there for our family. Let them know that you love them unconditionally and you support their dreams and goals.

We cannot protect each other from everything, but we can be there for our family.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 25

family

4 Things Parents Should Teach Their Children By: Nika M. Anderson

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hildren learn a lot about life through their parents. As much as they learn different things at school, home is where foundations are laid. Parents teach their children how to love, themselves and others. They also learn how to handle success or failure, and develop habits at home.

Some things matter in life, and parents need to teach their children about the most valuable things in life. Here are some of the most critical things that you should teach your child; What Matters Most Most of the information out there is misleading.

For example, people are defining wealth by how much money or material possession they have.

When there is conflict in the house, do not sweep it under the rug or solve it dramatically.

But the truth is there are people who have all kinds of material possessions, but they are very miserable.

Let your children know that the thing that matters most in life is, purpose. Without purpose, they will not feel fulfilled in life even if they get all the material things they want.

Managing Emotions Do emotions control how you talk to people or shape your character?

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Emotions are important because they determine our beliefs, character and values. Teach children how to process feelings.

Emotions should not control or shape their character and neither should they be repressed.

Handling Conflicts When there is conflict in the house, do not sweep it under the rug or solve it dramatically. Let your children know that people can have opposing views, love each other and live in harmony.

When your child makes a mistake let them know you love them, but you do not approve their behaviour, so they should not repeat it. They should understand that what they have done is wrong, but the mistake does not define who they are.

Handling Loss Teach your child how to grieve.

For example, when a pet dies, grieve with your child instead of replacing it with another one immediately when your child is experiencing loss. Let them know that grieving is part of life.

We learn a lot about ourselves through parenting. See this as an opportunity for you to grow.

family

How to Build a Great Family By: Writers For Justice

We cannot wish our way into being a great family. It takes a lot of sacrifice on our part.

We are to love our family members unconditionally.

Of course, there will be good and bad times, but through it all, we need to stick together and help each other out. When family is great, society becomes great as well as the nation and the world.

Here is a common thread to a happy family Have fun together Children feel loved when their parent do fun stuff with them.

While there is a lot to do in terms of work or school, it is crucial for families to enjoy the journey of life by finding fun activities to do. Be intentional about having fun with your family.

Go to parks, visit relatives or the needy, play sports or go watch a movie together. You can also do fun activities at home like play board games or hold parties.

Grow Together Help each other to grow spiritually, emotionally, mentally, professionally and financially.

When a family member is stuck or needs help, be there for them. Do not let any member of the family feel like they are being left out. It is not easy, but it is inevitable.

Help children with their homework.

Listen to your children and each other.

Build an environment where everyone knows their responsibilities and understands the importance of family.

Care about Others Great families help other people.

Adding value to other people’s lives is essential. Serve others with our gifts, talents, and resources.

Remember to always be there for each other no matter what you are going through.

Great families love their neighbours as themselves. They find people who need help and bless them. You don’t have to strain to help others, the little you can afford will do just fine.

It doesn’t matter what your family is like right now.

You can turn a broken family into a great one by spending time together.

Find out what each one of you likes and then create fun activities that will allow every member of the family to participate.

Remember to always be there for each other no matter what you are going through.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 27

family

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS WHEN IN A By: Tracy Barkley

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ver 10 years of being a prison mentor, I’ve had many inmates walk out, threaten me and stop talking to me over conversations about their relationships. Free world people in relationships with Incarcerated men or women and who are willing to look past their crimes and past ways of life and love them as best as possible are great blessings. It is rare to find a dedicated partner while free, but to find one while you cannot be there is a truly wonderful thing.

While mentoring inmates who are married, in committed relationships, dating or real close to a special woman or man, I’ve found most don’t want to hear the truth about their relationships.

However, not all prison relationships are good, but not all are bad. Still close to 80% are, many mentors have witnessed it in sessions. One mentor who has been to nine different federal prisons in his 17 years of incarceration that range from high, mediums and low Security Levels and most of the men he met at all levels of them all share a common denominator; which is they all need to treat that special person in their lives as well as possible. Remember both them and those loved ones on the outside all

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share their own common denominator of wondering if are with the right person. They ask themselves daily, should I make a clean break and move on? There is a long list of other questions that those on both the inside and outside need to ask themselves to make that determination:

family

#1: Has this person changed for the better and do they make me want to be a better person? #2: Has the person in prison taken the right steps to become a productive citizen once released? #3: Is the person really someone they can see themselves with? If children are involved can they get along with the children and respect that the children are a package deal? #4: Does this person have something to offer besides, sex, looks, money or material possessions? #5: Is this person someone you can talk to, they understand you, you feel comfortable with and will love them unconditionally?

These are just some serious questions when dealing with someone incarcerated and with those on the outside that have loved ones on the inside.

Dealing with someone in prison is very difficult and having a loving relationship with them is even harder. The only real means of communication and intimacy with someone incarcerated is letters, visits when possible, limited phone calls and email for some. If your reading this and you support someone, are good friends and love someone who’s in prison you’re deeply appreciated. By

You only live life once and if you’re not happy you can’t make anyone else happy!

those on the inside, but consider how you feel about the situation, as well. Make sure you are happy and ask yourself the previous questions. Then take an honest look and do what feel is best for you and your psyche.

Whether that is staying or going, be brave enough to take the chance. You only live life once and if you’re not happy you can’t make anyone else happy! You are not doing your incarcerated love one any favors by faking it. Once they are out, they will know, and the situation will get even harder. Remember you don’t have to be romantically linked to be a friend to someone on the inside, so don’t fake it. The same goes for those on the inside, do not use someone for support or commissary money. It is always kinder to be honest in all situations, whether incarcerated or free.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 29

family

Three Ways Trials Strengthen Your Family By: Amy Sylvestre

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).”

It is inevitable that your family will face challenging times. Simple day to day life is hard enough to get through with busy schedules, school requirements, careers, and a home to manage. If a crisis occurs, your marriage and your children will likely feel the ripple effects in the family dynamics. Whether you face financial burdens, an illness, loss, and grief, or another life-altering trial, you can rest in the work of Jesus when He said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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A family who weathers the troubles of life together also reap the benefits of living through the storm.

Here are three ways trials can strengthen your family.

Your Bond is Deeper As you wade through the suffering, you will likely look around you to see who is with you in the journey.

If your family members are going through the same trial together, you can link arms in the fight. You can hold one another up on days

family when it feels too much. When your faith is weak, your spouse will be strong. When your child has questions, you can offer encouragement, some answers, and your tears. Just like the bond of Veterans who come through battle together, your family will share the same scars and stories that will make for a deeper and richer connection.

a new commitment. Take several months or even a year or more to turn inward and care for each other. Just as someone who breaks an arm shields it for a season from the outside with a hard cast, protect your family from busyness that will keep you from wholly healing.

You (and your kids!) will appreciate the needed margin in your lives.

You Can Create Margin In our culture today, it is as though every second of each day is planned. It can several months to find an hour to grab coffee with a friend. When trials hit your family, it is the exact moment for you to step back and pause. Whether you face loss, grief, disappointment, depression, divorce, or financial burdens, build margin into your life to carry this extra load. Give yourself, your spouse, and your children permission to focus on your family’s needs first. Practice saying no when others ask for

Your Faith will Overflow Many times, when a family has suffered sickness, grief, or job loss, it is as though all eyes are watching to see their next movements. Will they fall apart? Will they survive? How do we relate to them? Just as parents can lead their children to walk toward faith or a wife can encourage her husband to prayer, an entire family’s faith can overflow into their neighborhood and their church. Authentic faith has questions and wrestles with the suffering endured in a broken world. Even with the confusion that often

comes with pain, a family can point the community around them to Jesus as they grapple with their own love for a mysterious, loving God. They can pave a path of faithfulness for those around them who may also be living through their own crisis.

Keep Marching As you and your family press on in a world that is broken and full of trouble, be encouraged that God does not waste your pain.

The pain will still hurt and you will still cry real tears. But you are being cultivated into the likeness of Christ. Jesus began a good work in you and your family. He will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

As you and your family press on in a world that is broken and full of trouble, be encouraged that God does not waste your pain.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 31

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Why Parents should teach their Children Good Values By: Writers For Justice

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ne of the best ways to strengthen your family is by developing family values. Values help us to have a sense of direction in life. We like to share our morals with others and what better way than to start with our children.

Family values are crucial and here is why; Good Personal Values The standards you teach your children when they are still young will shape their beliefs when they are adults. They will not conform to the partners of this world but, will grow knowing what is right for them as individuals.

Victory over Temptations Good values help us to live victorious lives. We rise above what is seen as “cool” because we know what we want in life. Yes, your children will mess up at times, but they will rise again. They will stand out and become

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role models among their peers because of the way they live.

Guidance and Direction in Life People are sharing a lot of knowledge out there, and most of it is misleading. But, our family values help us to know that there is more to life than what we see on the media and social networks. They help your child choose the right thing even when you are not around.

Even if their peers influence them negatively, they will know that whatever they are doing is not right. It may take them a while but the seed you have planted will eventually bud, and they will get back on track.

As parents, we play significant roles in the lives of our children. It is not easy, but we have to raise our children the right way.

Creating your own set of family values grounded on your faith and beliefs will help you raise great people in society.

It does not mean that your children will always follow what you tell them, but it will be hard for them to be influenced by other people when you have laid a strong foundation in their childhood.

Let your children see you practice what you preach.

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Reentry and Recovery

5 Steps to Speedy Recovery By: Writers For Justice

I

f you’re a past substance abuser, you know that the path to recovery is lengthy. Bad habits can be very hard to break, especially in the instance of substance abuse where our bodies build a physical and psychological dependency.

cepted your new reality, you can allow yourself to move forward.

and others that want what is best for you.

But there are ways to make your recovery easier and faster, if you are willing to try and stick to a plan. Here are 5 steps you need to consider when working through your own recovery.

2 – Look for activities that can give you a natural high. Many recovering addicts turn to various forms of exercise for a variety of reasons. First, your body will need healing to recover from the addiction, and exercise will strengthen your muscles and help improve your metabolism. Second, exercising allows your brain to release more endorphins which will improve your mood.

4 – Teach yourself how to take a positive outlook every day. You may find that this means keeping a journal to record your thoughts, or by starting each day in prayer.

Whatever you choose, look for an outlet that allows you to work through any concerns or negative feelings, and allows you to celebrate happy thoughts.

1 – Remember that substance abuse is a challenge and there is no one size fits all approach. You need to allow yourself to accept this reality so that every decision you make weighs the outcomes and whether you can stay on the recovery path, or if you will trigger a setback. Once you have ac-

3 – Reconsider your lifestyle.

While this can seem daunting at first, it is important that you consider the environment that you are in. Your environment is a critical dimension to wellness, and it is imperative that you have a safe home and place to rest, and that you are surrounded by loved one

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5 – Turn your experience into a way to help others. As said before, you are not the first one to go through this, and you will not be the last. And when you can find ways to give back to those who supported you when you were down, or you can find another worthwhile mission to support, you will find every day and every step easier to take.

Reentry and Recovery

Battling the shame of substance abuse By: Larry M. Anderson

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hen you have a substance abuse problem, the guilt and shame can be extraordinary. You have left down yourself, you may have lost your job, and not to mention the strain of your family, friends, and other loved ones. You may feel embarrassed, humiliated, inadequate, and even unworthy.

It is important to accept that these feelings you are having are natural in this situation, and that you are not going through this journey alone. Others have been through this before, and many others will in the future as well.

But you can overcome that shame and turn the experience around for yourself and all those impacted along the way. And that starts with allowing yourself to accept what has happened, and then learning to forgive yourself. Quite frankly, until you learn to forgive yourself, you will find that you simply can’t move forward.

So how do you forgive yourself after months or even years of substance abuse? Many recovering addicts turn to professional counseling to help them work through the phases of acceptance, and forgiveness. Others may turn to their pastor, priest, or other religious figure to help them release the guilt of their sins and to start over. And yet others turn to a trusted family member or friend.

Most importantly, while on the road to recovery, it is highly encouraged to find a local meeting chapter for Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Sponsors can be a great source of support in addition to any other resources that you find.

Whatever you decide is right for you, the key is in picking a path and sticking to it. If you fail to stick to your recovery plan, you will find yourself sucked back into that hole of shame, and even worse, you may fall off the wagon.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 35

Reentry and Recovery

How to build a strong support system By: Larry M. Anderson

I

f you’re a recovering addict, it is imperative that you seek out and build a strong network of people who can support you in your forward journey. Going it alone will slow the process, and while your pride may make this difficult, if you can allow yourself to be open to the help from others, your recovery will be smoother, and your number of good days will increase exponentially.

First, take time to consider the various dimensions of wellness, and ensure that you are able to find balance amongst these.

Critical dimensions to battle in your life include: • • • • • • •

Social Emotional Environmental Intellectual Physical Spiritual Occupational

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Reentry and Recovery Look for supportive resources that can help you throughout each of these dimensions.

Whatever you do, it is important to surround yourself with people that want you to succeed. Doing so will be a tremendous aid on your path to recovery.

Socially, look for trustworthy others that make you feel good about yourself and that won’t pull or push you towards those old bad habits.

Emotionally, consider attending Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous so that you can learn skills to help you express your feelings of fear, sadness, or guilt, and learn how to pull from your positive experiences.

Environmentally, make sure that your home environment is safe and free from any triggers.

Intellectually, look for opportunities to learn a new skill. Consider a new hobby, or maybe take a class through a nearby community education program, or even at a local college. Look for other students or hobbyists that you can share your new passions and interests with.

Physically, take care of your body. Your substance abuse has likely wreaked havoc on your body, and with the support of your physician, look for a diet and exercise program that can keep you on the path to betterment.

Spiritually, look for things in life that bring you joy and happiness, and ensure that every day, you do something that

makes you smile. This does not need to be a religious exercise, but many find that renewing their faith can help them heal faster, and pastors, priests, and even other parishioners can make great members of your support team.

Occupationally, reassess your work situation and look for a work environment that challenges you, but does not stress you to the point that you will fall off the wagon. Many employers also have health and wellness coaches available that can be great additional members of your growing support system.

Whatever you do, it is important to surround yourself with people that want you to succeed. Doing so will be a tremendous aid on your path to recovery.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 37

Reentry and Recovery

Don’t take the bait

By Larry M. Anderson

concerns, and also happy thoughts that pop into your head. It is important that you take the time to do both, and it is suggested that you start with those negative thoughts and end with the good ones so that they are fresh in your mind when you walk away from the journal.

2 – Remove all triggers from your home, and if your home in and of itself is a trigger, work with a professional to better understand why you feel that way, and to help you overcome those feelings, or to look into a new living arrangement.

N

ow that you are clean and sober, it is important that you don’t find yourself in a situation where you are tempted to pick up those old bad habits. If you are like most recovering addicts, the whole reason you fell into dependency was because of the feelings of euphoria that you would experience when using. Or maybe it was that feeling of escape. Or maybe your abuse allowed you to get some sleep.

Whatever feeling it was that you experienced when you were using, it is important that you look for new environments that will not tempt you to make a bad decision.

Here are some tips and strategies to ensure you don’t take the bait.

1 – Start a diary and spend some time journaling at the beginning and ending of every day. Take time to write down your fears or

38 | Second Chance Magazine - June 2019

3 – Cease all relationships with other users or those who trigger your desire to pick up the bottle, the needle, or whatever it was that was your drug or drink of choice. These people will be toxic to your recovery, and statistically, you’ll be far more likely to go back to your old ways if you keep these people in your life.

4 – Get a sponsor and work with a professional chemical dependency counselor to work on ongoing strategies that help you keep your life moving in a positive direction.

Start a diary and spend some time journaling at the beginning and ending of every day.

Reentry and Recovery

Maintaining Healthy Relationships While in Prison By: Writers For Justice

For those serving a prison sentence, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with what’s going on inside of the prison walls. Many may try to put their loved ones out of their mind while serving the prison term, as the pain of not being with them is too great. However, this is not a healthy thing to do.

It’s important to continue maintaining good relationships with friends and family members while serving the prison sentence.

Not only will maintaining good relationships with friends and loved ones help when the time comes to be reunited with them and show them that you are still a part of their lives even though you are in

prison, it will make the time spent in prison much more bearable.

Here are some ways to maintain healthy relationships with loved ones while in prison: • Keep in Contact in Various Ways: When someone is in prison, constant contact is not an option. With that said, it’s important to make sure that communication and contact are available as often as possible, whether it’s through short in-person visits at the correctional facility, phone calls, or by letters exchanged through the mail.

• Keep Honest Lines of Com-

munication Open: When you do communicate with one another, make sure it’s open, honest communication. This will help to keep the relationship healthy throughout the prison term.

• Talk about the Future: Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about the future, especially when one person is in prison. However, if the prison term will end in the foreseeable future, talk about the future and what you will do once the prison sentence has been completed.

It’s both possible and important to maintain healthy relationships while in prison.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 39

Reentry and Recovery

When Reentry Fails O

nce an individual who has been sentenced to jail or prison for committing a crime has been released, the next step is reentry into society. When the individual has completed their full sentence or has been paroled, that person must embark on the path to reintegrate themselves into the community, find a job, get re-established, and live a crimefree life going forward. Unfortunately, there are issues which arise along the way.

Some of the things which individuals who have been released from prison might face include finding a job, locating a place to live, battling addiction and mental illness, and experiencing the stigma of a criminal record and recent incarceration. Although some may make it post-prison term without being incarcerated again, the discouraging fact is that more than 75% of individuals who have been released from prison will return to prison within five years.1

1 2

So, why does reentry fail? What makes individuals continue to commit crimes and return to prison? Here are some of the reasons for failed reentry into society and the occurrence of recidivism2: • Inability to find gainful employment • Continued punishment for past crimes • Substance abuse struggles • Mental health issues • Struggle becoming re-acclimated with society • Restrictive parole require-

ments may lead to parole violations These are some of the societal factors and individual struggles which may lead an individual to commit more crimes and return to prison. Although every individual case is different, statistics show that these factors come into play when recidivism is an issue for those who have been released from prison after completing their full sentence or being paroled early.

https://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/welcome.aspx https://socialwork.simmons.edu/blog/Prisoner-Reentry/

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Reentry and Recovery

Want to Be Featured in Second Chance?

Second Chance Magazine (SCM) always welcomes the opportunity to feature the stories of artists, entrepreneurs, and other engaging voices in our publication. We showcase a wide-range of individuals in feature stories each issue. We’d love for you to feature your talent, story, product, or service in one of our feature stories.

Why​​A Feature Story?

Feature stories are in-depth looks into a story that resonates with our audience. It is an engaging narrative about a specific subject (or multiple subjects), highlighting their stories and using them to deliver a message to the SCM readership.

As with any story, a strong feature story contains an obvious beginning, middle and ending. The beginning of the feature should be a brief overview of who the subject is and how they got to where they are today.

The middle of the story is the chance to go into detail about a change or transformation that they might have gone through. The ending should tie everything together and explain how the transformation has impacted their lives and also point to where it might be taking them in the future.

A feature story is the best way to engage directly with the SCM reader who can be greatly impacted by the story you have to tell. It gives the subject a wider audience and opens them up to new potential possibilities.

Submission Guidelines Want to be featured in Second Chance Magazine? Here are the basic submission guidelines: »» Full Name »» City and State of Residence »» High-resolution full-body portrait on white background (preferably 8x10) »» High-resolution headshot on white background (preferably 8x10) »» Story outline should be presented as follows: ​Important points contained within the first few paragraphs (don’t keep readers waiting); use quotes to add a human element to the story; try to use memorable lines that will keep the reader engaged and/or surprised. »» Limit feature story word count to 1,000 words »» All submissions should be in Times New Roman, size 12 font »» Include relevant photos to enhance your story (If you are including photos of yourself or someone else, please also sign the release form ​here​) »» You should own the sole copyrights to any music, photos, or literature submitted

Send all feature story requests to (publisher@secondchancemagazine.com). If your feature story request is approved, it will include a cover appearance, full featuring on all SCM social media platforms, email campaigns, and prominent display on the 2019 Magazine.

Second Chance Magazine - June | 41

Reentry and Recovery

Reentry Matters By: Victoria Grace

A

nxiety, fear, discouragement, embarrassment, shame, and a sense of being overwhelmed are all feelings that often plague those being released from incarceration. It should be a time of joy and celebration for the prisoners as they are reunited with family and friends.

However, these feelings of jubilee are often short lived as they are forced to face the challenges that come along with reentering society. The essentials needed for living such as finding housing, food, and an honest source

of income are difficult due to the stigma society (as a whole) has placed on ex-felons. Even if the one incarcerated participated in educational programs, learned a trade, received psychological support and maintained good behavior, the community rarely takes these things into consideration.

In 2007, Congress passed the Second Chance Act in an effort to reduce recidivism by aiding in the successful reentry of ex-felons. The Second Chance Act allows federal funds to be

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dispersed to programs aimed at helping previously incarcerated individuals become reestablished in the community. Unsuccessful reentry has a tremendous negative financial impact on the community, family and individual. The cost of re-incarcerating an individual is significantly more than the federal funds allocated for the programs to help prevent such occurrences.

For the prisoner returning to society, it is important to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

It requires determination to press through the negative stigma associated with being an ex-felon. When it starts to feel like every door is shutting, the key is to go back and knock again. Persistence demonstrates determination. Also, ex-felons should be willing to settle for a less than an ideal job. It takes humility, but in doing so the ex-felon is proving he/she accepts responsibility for past mistakes and that the need to work hard and regain trust is understood. This attitude displays characteristics that will lead to quicker advancement and promotions, so do not get discouraged. Start at the bottom, if necessary, and work up. In addition, take full advantage of the programs offered in the community. Ideally, the ones that have put in the work and proved themselves successful, will in return mentor others that are just starting their reentry journey.

For the community, family and friends, it is important to recognize the challenges that ex-felons face and give them a helping hand.

Encourage them. Help them to find beneficial resources. Let them know they are not alone. Reentry is a critical time in their life and helping them be successful is a win-win for all.

Reentry and Recovery

Five Ways to Stay Encouraged While Incarcerated By: Writers For Justice tain their GED or degree in different areas1. When you work on obtaining your degree, you are occupying your time and getting ready for the future when you are released.

3. Read Inspirational Books Whether you are religious and read the Bible or enjoy other types of inspirational books, reading books with positive messages will help to keep your spirits up and provide encouragement throughout your incarceration.

W

hen serving a prison term, it’s easy to get d i s c o u ra g e d .

You’re in a confined space, surrounded by strangers, and away from your loved ones.

Although there are things to keep you occupied in prison, just imagine doing those few things over and over again on a daily basis. The best way to get through the prison term is to stay optimistic and find bits of encouragement to get you through those long days.

Here are five ways to stay encouraged while incarcerated:

1. Stay Connected to Family Members and Friends Whenever Possible Technology is extremely limited in prison, but there are ways to stay in touch with friends and family members. Whether your loved ones can come visit you or it’s simply a matter of writing letters back and forth, it’s important to stay in touch with those on the outside. It will help to make your reentry into society easier.

4. Take On Jobs Within the Prison Another way to stay encouraged during incarceration is to take on a job in the prison.

From cooking in the kitchen to restocking books in the library, you’ll stay occupied, possibly make some money, and get trained in a specific job.

You can also stay encouraged by planning for the future and making a game plan to follow when you are released.

5. Make a Plan for Yourself Once You’re Released You can also stay encouraged by planning for the future and making a game plan to follow when you are released.

2. Work On Obtaining a Degree Inmates in certain prisons have the opportunity to ob-

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education-k-12/news/2018/03/02/447321/ education-opportunities-prison-key-reducing-crime/

1

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 43

Reentry and Recovery

What You Need To Know Before You Are Released By: Victoria Grace tion and therefore they have mixed emotions. Listed below are seven key things inmates need to know prior to their release. Knowing these things in advance will help curb anxiety so that the excitement of the day can have its proper and much deserved place.

1) There is assistance available beyond the walls of prison. The level of resources available varies from state to state, but on some level it will be there. Prior to the release date, connect with the prisons transition coordinator and ask for a list of the resources that are tailored to help ex-offenders. If the prison does not have a transition coordinator, make sure you inquire about these services with the local parole agency.

Getting out of prison is certainly exciting although the road ahead is often difficult.

E

xcitement builds with inmates as their release date nears but anxiety also tags along. Do not question it or panic. This often unexpected emotion is actually quite normal. Generally, there is a direct correlation between the level of anxiety and length of time served. Those who have weathered longer sentences tend to experience more anxiety upon their release. However even those serving shorter sentences often find that some level of anxiety accompanies them as the release date nears. This anxiety is largely due to the unknown. Inmates do not know what to expect during their transi-

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2) The unfortunate truth is that felons will often be unfairly judged.

When applying for jobs, housing, or even credit, once the criminal history is determined the interview often takes a turn for the worst. Do not be discouraged! While this is a reality, it is NOT the final destiny. The reason more people are not successful is because they have it in their head that it is just the way it is going to be. Do not develop that mindset! Instead of developing an attitude of defeat, take charge. Demonstrate that you are not the same person as you were prior to your incarceration. Speak up and be honest. Humility and honesty

Reentry and Recovery that it will often not work out exactly as planned. It will be necessary at times to let go of preconceived ideas and embrace ideas not previously considered. This is especially true with employment. An ex-felon may not be able to go directly into their first job choice. Be open and approachable. Take what you can get with the understanding that it is merely a stepping stone to get to where you really want to be.

go a very long way. The interviewer will respect the transparency and it will help to establish trust. While this tactic will not work in every situation, it does have a positive impact on many. So if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Do not give up.

3) Do everything possible to obtain birth certificates and social security cards before release. If the prison will not allow these items to be mailed directly to you, then consider having them mailed to a trusted family member or friend. These documents are essential as they are required to obtain state assistance, jobs, housing, etc.

4) Put yourself on a budget immediately. Most ex-felons starting out do not have access to funds, but once they have landed a job and the first paycheck arrives it is very tempting

to purchase all the different things that they were deprived of during their incarceration. This is detrimental because living in the “free world” is not free! Housing, food, and clothing are no free. Income is needed to pay for these essentials.

Therefore, get it established in your mind before you are released that you will wait a few months before treating yourself to many of things you have only been able to dream about from prison. Try looking at it from the viewpoint of you have done without certain things for the amount of time you have been incarcerated, so what is another few months? Get yourself established and your basic needs taken care of first. Otherwise you will be setting yourself up for failure.

5) While it is important to have a plan in mind, be open to the fact

6) If you have children, understand the impact of your release on their lives. This will vary depending on the child’s personality and age. Be prepared to take it slow with them.

While children are generally excited to see their parent, it is also an adjustment for them. Patience is key to successfully integrating back into their lives. Follow the child’s lead when it comes to how much or how quickly they desire to share their world with you.

7) Expect change. For the incarcerated individual everything is the same, day in and day out. But out in the free world everything changes quickly. It will take some time to adjust to the advances in technology.

Depending on the length of incarceration, some will find that the way fast food is ordered is drastically different, roadways are different, and even landmarks may have disappeared or changed significantly.

Getting out of prison is certainly exciting although the road ahead is often difficult. However a successful re-entry is absolutely within your reach. Just take things one day at a time, believe in yourself and never give up. You have served your time, so hold your head up high and dare to chase your dreams.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 45

Reentry and Recovery

REENTRY EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS: THE COSTS – SEEN & UNSEEN By: Samuel Fair “They say you do two days - the day you go in and the day you go home.

Well, here I am, the night before my so-called second day, and I can’t sleep. I’ve been locked-up for six years and I haven’t felt like this at any time during my bid. The source of my anxiety -- what am I gonna do to provide for myself and my family when I get home? How am I gonna carry my weight? In here, I’ve heard the stories time-and-time again from guys that have gone home and returned -- stories about how the initial joy of family members surrounding your release quickly wears off and becomes something else. Not because they don’t love you, no that’s not it.

Their frustration stems from you

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being an adult - eating food, using electricity, washing clothes, taking up space, etc. - and most of all, not contributing to the household. A household in which there is usually a shortage of resources to begin with before you moved in. So, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that my second day will be bittersweet.”

The barriers that returning citizens experience upon their release from incarceration are enormous. The research and subject matter experts all tell us that gainful and sustainable employment is a major factor (best predictor) in the reduction of recidivism. But for most returning citizens without significant social capital, se-

Reentry and Recovery curing employment that pays a livable wage is next to impossible. Even when able to secure employment, returning citizens on average take home forty-percent (40%) less pay annually. Over the past 10-15 years we have seen states, organizations, and businesses, make efforts in the vein of supplying more opportunities to returning citizens. Some of these efforts have been in areas such as: »» Ban-The-Box initiatives »» Second-Chance Friendly hiring policies by businesses »» Criminal Justice / Public Policy Changes »» Workforce Development/ Career Readiness Training programs The lack of social capital and the presence of inherent employer bias can hinder the reentry process before it even has a chance.

Social Capital → family & friends (“Who you know.”) can play a major role in one’s networking ability in assisting with finding employment.

Employer Bias → a criminal record presents a major barrier to employment with important implications for racial disparities. The negative effect of a record is 40% greater for black applicants than white.

Second Chance Hiring Employers: »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

The Home Depot Kroger Publix Goodwill Industries Enterprise Rent-A-Car UPS Waffle House MailChimp

Criminal Record Friendly Industries: »» »» »» »»

Construction Diesel Mechanics Service Industry Transportation, Warehousing, and Logistics »» U. S. Military »» Welding

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 47

Reentry and Recovery

POINT OF NO RETURN

By Samuel L. Fair

T

he phrase point-of-no-return is commonly associated with some negative set of circumstances or disturbing experience. For a first-time felon (arrested/convicted ďƒ incarcerated), that initial trek into a correctional facility may conjure-up such feelings and thoughts. Most notably, after hearing the heavy gates and doors close behind them upon entry.

But when that same phrase is flipped and correlated with a returning citizen’s release date, it can be associated with positive connotations.

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Reentry and Recovery Most, if not all step outside that gate, hear it clank as it closes behind them and say – “I’m never coming back.” Translation, this is the “point-of-no-return” – no return to any incarcerated state and/ or status. And the chances of making that statement come to fruition increase significantly with a sensible and viable plan long before the actual release. The greatest resource a returning citizen has while incarcerated is time, and it is imperative for them to manage themselves within that confined space and stint effectively.

Ultimately, working on a plan for release should be priority number one -• Not sitting in the dayroom watching Wendy (Yes, gossipy TV shows are highly favored in male facilities.)

• Not going to the yard to lift weights every day of the week • Not playing cards or chess for hours on end • Not socializing within the pseudo-family structure of the dorm (female institutions) Although, these activities can and do have a meaningful purpose in assisting returning citizens in doing their time – none rise to the importance of planning for release. Where are you going to live and will it be allowed by probation/parole? What will the approach be to reentering one’s children’s lives? Who will hire me? Just a few of the important questions that need to be addressed. And for those that will be under some form of community supervision (i.e., probation, parole) after release, it is imperative that they have access to their sentencing documents (i.e., judgement, court order) while incarcerated.

Every effort should be made by a re-

turning citizen to know exactly what is expected in regards to the general and special conditions of their supervision as ordered by the Court, before reporting to probation/parole.

Given the lack of vocational training and educational opportunities in our prison systems, a major part of a returning citizen’s plan should be focused on how they can learn about and/or acquire a skill-set that will help them get employed when released. As we already know, sustainable and gainful employment is a major factor in the reduction of recidivism.

With the speed at which our service and technology driven labor market progresses, returning citizens leave prison today at a greater disadvantage of fitting into the workforce than when they went in.

Acquiring a skill-set or becoming knowledgeable about one might include: • Getting a job as a part of the prison’s maintenance (i.e., plumbing, electrical, etc.) crew.

• Acquiring an IT certification manual (e.g., CompTIA) and studying it relentlessly.

It is also helpful to know that if one is acquiring a skill-set while incarcerated, that they will be able to pursue that interest upon release. For example, in many states, to be employed in certain fields, one must acquire a license. As a consequence of being a convicted felon, many are excluded from attaining licensures such as barbering, cosmetology, etc. These are viable skills that many returning citizens gain while incarcerated, but may not be able to legally pursue on the outside. All being said, access to licensures present another barrier to successful reentry. By doing the research and devising a plan, one can avoid such a dilemma.

It is also helpful to know that if one is acquiring a skill-set while incarcerated, that they will be able to pursue that interest upon release.

Second Chance Magazine - June 2019 | 49

Reentry and Recovery

Recovery Matters By: Victoria Grace

R

ecovery takes on a different meaning for different people. For some recovery means overcoming an addiction to drugs or alcohol, but for others it may mean learning to cope with past trauma. While there are many things that create a need for recovery, one thing is true for them all: Recovery is necessary if an individual desires to lead a successful and happy life.

The statistics are overwhelming.

The majority of incarcerated individuals committed crimes as a direct result of something negative that happened in their life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol because they are attempting to drown out the pain of something

that happened to them. For others, it is out of desperation that they resort to stealing, writing bad checks or engaging in some other illegal scheme. There are also those that have been abused. Frequently, those raised in abusive environments find themselves repeating the pattern. In general once a person’s criminal behavior is carefully examined, it is usually determined that if the individual had received adequate mental health therapy earlier, the crime may have been preventable.

Most prisons provide mental health treatment to aid in recovery. It is one of the most important things to take advantage of while serving time. Understanding the reason

50 | Second Chance Magazine - June 2019

for the behavior, discussing alternatives and learning coping skills to deal with the stressors in life are extremely important for success.

Ideally this process will start during the incarceration, but it is critical that it not end upon release into society. Returning to the community brings with it new challenges and stressors. Engaging in therapy with a mental health professional is the best way to have the support and tools that are needed to navigate through the various obstacles.

Family and friends of those incarcerated should encourage on-going mental health treatment. There is a well-known saying about insanity.

It states: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different result”. Taking part in therapy helps individuals get off the “gerbil wheel” that keeps them repeating the same mistakes over and over again. It provides resources, life skills, mental health tools, and valuable insight on how to tackle life in a healthier manner so that dreams and goals can be achieved. Recovery matters. It plays a huge role in overcoming the hurtful behaviors of the past and embracing life in a brand new way.

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Second Chance Magazine welcomes the opportunity for new voices and ideas to be heard. Do you have a personal story about how the criminal justice system has impacted you?

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