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The Queens Defenders Parole & Re-Integration Initiative (PRI)
- Do you have specific Neighborhood(s) in mind?
- Far Rockaway, Jamaica, Southeast Queens
- Which group(s) does your idea focus on? Select as many as apply.
- Justice Impacted People
- Describe the challenge you want to address:
- Many residents facing prison time encounter several significant challenges in achieving rehabilitation, including: - Stigmatization: Many individuals face societal stigma that can hinder reintegration, making it difficult to find employment, housing, and social support after release. - Lack of Access to Programs: Many prisons offer limited access to educational and vocational training programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, which are crucial for rehabilitation. - Mental Health Issues: Many incarcerated individuals struggle with mental health disorders, and the prison environment often lacks adequate support for these issues. - Institutional Culture: The prison environment can foster a culture of violence and distrust, which may undermine efforts at rehabilitation and personal growth. - Separation from Family: Being away from family and community support can lead to feelings of isolation and despair, making it harder to reintegrate upon release. - Limited Resources: Many individuals leave prison with few resources, including financial support, which can make it challenging to find stable housing and employment. - Recidivism Pressure: The cycle of reoffending can be perpetuated by systemic issues, such as parole violations for minor infractions, which can create a revolving door effect. - Coping with Trauma: Many incarcerated individuals have histories of trauma, and addressing these underlying issues is essential for effective rehabilitation. - Inadequate Support Upon Release: Transitioning back into society often lacks proper support systems, leading to difficulties in navigating everyday life, which can contribute to recidivism. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including reforming prison systems, enhancing support services, and fostering community engagement.
- What is the solution to the challenge?
- Throughout our 30 years of providing legal representation, Queens Defenders has witnessed firsthand the revolving door of criminal legal system involvement, and how many who enter the penal system have difficulty re-entering society when their sentence is complete. The PAROLE AND RE-INTEGRATION INITIATIVE (PRI) promotes public safety while supporting successful transition from prison to home by conducting thorough re-entry planning at the time of sentencing, inside-knowledge on how a client can make the most of their time inside, access to high-quality programming and credentialing, and continued advocacy in front of the Parole Board. The program's main components include: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: Queens Defenders Attorneys are trained to develop sentencing packets focused on the client’s future Parole Board hearing. These packets include client statements before sentence, mitigating factors that may affect sentencing, and the types of programming they might be eligible for while incarcerated. THE DO’S AND DONT’S OF DOING TIME: In support of the client’s planning document, Queens Defenders Client Advocates provide comprehensive and detailed information for the client about how make the most of their time while incarcerated, and how to avoid the many pitfalls typically experienced by individuals serving time, reassuring our clients that they are not alone in their journey. ACCESS TO EDUCATION, TRAINING, and CERTIFICATIONS: Our Client Advocates coordinate with service providers and the Department of Correction to promote access the best options for individuals who are incarcerated, including college courses, certifications and apprenticeships with labor unions and more, so when they walk out, they’re re-entering society with credentials. ZEALOUS ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT BEFORE PAROLE BOARD HEARINGS: Queens Defenders Attorneys and Client Advocates combine client’s accomplishments during Steps One through Three to provide zealous advocacy in front of the Parole Board in support of the client's release and re-integration into society. RE-INTEGRATION SUPPORT: Client Advocates stay in touch with recently released individuals and provide support, coaching, referrals, and facilitate access to ongoing programming, treatment, and opportunities for building skills and obtaining gainful employment.
- Please provide your Zip Code
- 11435
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