Incarceration & Recidivism
8 Things You Didn’t Know About Incarceration and Recidivism in the United States in 2021
If you’ve been keeping up with the news, you know that we are in the middle of a massive incarceration dilemma. With documentaries, books, and articles constantly being published, it seems there are a lot of problems with very few solutions actually being taken.
At FreshStart we are taking action to reduce the recidivism rate, as well as the total number of people currently incarcerated. First, we had to identify what the problem was. We’ve found 8 specific things that most people don’t know about incarceration and recidivism that are extremely impactful when looking for actionable solutions.
1. The Incarceration Rate
In the United States, within a year of being released, 45% of offenders will be arrested again. This number rises to a staggering 83% within nine years.
The incarceration rate is the number of people incarcerated in proportion to the number of people in the country.
So, with an incarceration rate of around .73%, about 7 in every 1000 Americans is in jail, right now. That’s almost 1 in 100.
With an incarceration rate this large, America and its citizens are paying millions every year to keep these prisons going. Not only that, families are separated and children left alone as adults must pay the consequences for their actions.
2. The Recidivism Rate
The recidivism rate is the number of people who were previously incarcerated, who ended up going to jail afterward again. So if 100 people were released, and we had a recidivism rate of 10%, 10 of those same 100 people would be back in jail within the specified time period.
In the United States, within a year of being released, 45% of offenders will be arrested again. This number rises to a staggering 83% within nine years.
This recidivism rate is killing us in terms of its connection to the incarceration rate. Do you say how the two are linked?
3. The Incarceration Rate and Recidivism Rate are Intertwined
The recidivism rate directly contributes to the overall incarceration rate. At current reincarceration rates, of the 2.2 million Americans in jail, nearly 1 million of these individuals will return to jail within a year, and an additional 800,000 will join them over the next 8 years.
Of course, if people are returning to jail, this will affect the incarceration rate. In fact, almost half of the people currently in prison are probably not first-time offenders. If 45% of those released will be arrested again in the next year, and 83% over the next nine years, it’s no wonder so many citizens are currently imprisoned.
4. Incarceration Causes a Loss of Connection
While in prison, individuals are limited in the communication they can have with others, and with the outside world. This being the case, it doesn’t provide an atmosphere in which they can build new connections, make goals for a new life, or change how they interact with others. Definitely not ideal if you want someone to come back to society with a new hope of a better life.
Offenders are often limited to a select few roommates and other offenders and get little time to communicate with family and friends. When they can have time to talk with family and friends, phone calls are incredibly expensive and many individuals don’t have the funds to pay for communication on a regular basis.
5. A Loss of Connection Impacts Recidivism
Here is what is happening: People are leaving prison without the skills and resources they need to keep themselves out of prison. How are 83% of those going to prison eventually ending up back in jail?
Instead of providing them with a network of people, they can rely on, or with resources to help them get back on their feet, released individuals have no support. Without support, the only connections they have will be the same as before they were incarcerated. This can often lead them to commit more crimes, and end up back in jail in the next few years.
6. We Can Reduce Recidivism
We have seen the recidivism rate drop from 83% to only 6% when individuals participate in the REAL Transition Program.
Let’s summarize where we have come so far. The incarceration rate in the United States is really bad. So is the recidivism rate. The recidivism rate is actually a direct contributor to the incarceration rate. While trying to determine a reason for recidivism, we find the incarceration reduces an individuals’ ability to connect. That connection impacts recidivism because often those released don’t know where to turn.
Now that we understand at least one of the underlying factors, we can focus on solutions that will help us reduce recidivism, thereby reducing the overall incarceration rate.
For example, at FreshStart Ventures, we help people make connections. Through the FreshStart REAL Transition and TinyHome programs, we help inmates connect with new and empowering individuals who give them guidance and resources to prepare for life after being released.
Based on preliminary studies, we have seen the recidivism rate drop from 83% to only 6% when individuals participate in the REAL Transition program.
7. How Inmates Can Build Connection
Here is how it works:
FreshStart divides the transition process into three stages:
REAL Transition
Mentorship
Release
In the first stage, incarcerated members are given the option to participate in the REAL Transition Program. This program helps inmates set goals, make plans, and prepare for life after release.
In the second stage, members become mentors and help others through the REAL Transition Program. This solidifies their understanding of the concepts and is a great way to build connections and get involved.
In the third stage, release, some members qualify for FreshStart’s Tiny Home Program. FreshStart partners with local residents, companies, nonprofits, and government entities to build low-energy use, cost-efficient homes for those released.
Members live in Tiny Homes for 3-5 years in a new neighborhood, on the property of a mentor family. The mentor family meets with them regularly to make sure the transition is going smoothly.
After that time, the member has made it through the complete reintegration process and is now encouraged to pursue their own interests. Fresh Start provides employment tools and resources, helps transitioners get their feet on the ground, and wishes them well in their new life.
8. You Can Help Reduce Recidivism
Where do you come into play?
We need volunteers in each part of the FreshStart process. We need mentors to work with inmates, we need builders to help build Tiny Homes, we need companies, organizations, and mentor families to partner on Tiny Homes. Basically, we need every hand available, and every donation helps.
As with donations to all qualified non-profits, your cash contributions are fully tax-deductible, and VERY much appreciated. I hope you will consider making a donation, or volunteering your time, with Fresh Start Ventures.
It’s time for a transition.