Making the Most of Incarceration & Preparing for Release
Combat the effects of institutionalization
Work on past issues
Prepare for the future
Steps to promote the best possible post-release outcomes:
Take every opportunity, no matter how small, to make decisions, exercise independence.
As much as possible, organize your own day, make “to do” lists and stick to them.
Practice self-control apart from what is forced by institutional rules (for example: limit TV/junk food, work on unhealthy habits or behaviors).
Take advantage of all training/educational opportunities and get a job if possible.
Learn a skill or gain knowledge in an area of interest through reading/study.
Study the areas that have been linked to successful reentry and that are typically addressed by reentry programs (budget/finance, building positive relationships, self-esteem, behavior/anger management, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, parenting,) and particularly about the issues that you have struggled with in the past. Find books on these subjects, join groups, talk to mature peers/counselors.
Find out more about yourself – personality type, strengths and weaknesses, what you are good at, what derails you.
Write out a resume draft, practice job interviewing, develop good answers to questions typically asked.
Set some long- and short-term life/career goals based on what you would really like (and be motivated) to do. Practice by setting and achieving smaller goals in prison (exercise, reading, writing letters, finding a mentor).
Become a faithful member of a prison church gathering. Don’t allow yourself to be detoured by “imperfect” or “hypocritical” people. Attend to worship God and bless others.
Participate as much as possible in family decision making, parenting responsibilities. Be proactive in finding out about child support status/modification options/legal rights.
Reach out to mature Christians in the community where you will be going. If possible, begin a mentoring relationship/connection with a church prior to release.
At every opportunity, draw near to God – take time to engage in prayer, scripture reading, meditation. We all need His forgiving, restoring, motivating power and presence in our lives. Trusting Him will also help you be able to trust others as well.