“Once I Was Given the Blueprint, Couldn’t Nobody Stop Me”: Postrelease Quality of Life and Reentry Barriers of People Sentenced to Life in Prison as Children

This study investigates the postrelease quality of life and reentry barriers among people sentenced to juvenile life and long sentences and then released. Findings are reported from a cross-sectional mixed-methods study, drawing on quantitative ( N = 78) and qualitative ( N = 46) data from a sample of people released from prison following a life or long sentence starting before the age of 18. Quantitative results indicate that more unmet reentry needs were associated with diminished well-being. Qualitative data illustrated the connection between reentry needs and quality of life, providing rich descriptions of how participants understood quality of life. Three major themes emerged: (1) “where to begin?”: barriers to reentry; (2) “my worst day out here is still better than my best day in prison”; and (3) “I’m not entitled to freedom.” Postrelease quality of life was shaped by both personal resilience and systemic oppression that continually constrained individuals’ freedom.