Prisoner Reentry into Society Viewed Through the Lens of Women

In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon declared a War on Drugs and initiated a series of policies that were intended to combat the use of illegal drugs by implementing severe sentences for drug-related crimes. As a result, the focus of the criminal justice system veered away from rehabilitation efforts. Today, the U.S. criminal justice system has considerably high rates of recidivism. This paper examines the importance of successful reentry into society for formerly incarcerated women, especially those who must resume a caregiver role to their children. However, a relapse into criminal behavior seems imminent due to societal barriers in obtaining housing and employment, both of which are critical for a formerly incarcerated individual to be a productive and law-abiding citizen and not resort to illegal methods of earning an income. The implementation of reentry programs as well as risk and needs assessments are critical tools that can aid in a successful transition and provide the individual with personalized support so that they have a chance of a fruitful life outside of incarceration.