Over 6 million Americans are under some form of corrections control or supervision. Research shows that incarceration disproportionately impacts low income communities, communities of color, and individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness.1 Upon case resolution, these formerly incarcerated populations must confront the difficult process of reentry into society with potentially decreased access to housing, employment, education and government assistance. 2
Description: This PDF outlines some of the legal barriers to reentry for individuals with criminal records. Providers should be mindful of potentially decreased access to housing, food stamps, drivers licenses, student loans, etc. The Toolkit provides strategies for advocating for clients during the reentry process.
Texas Legal Guide to Reentry PDF
Description: This PDF addresses the specifics of the reentry process and legal barriers within the state of Texas. The guide breaks down the specifics of the repercussions associated with various criminal convictions in addition to issues of obtaining ID, vocational licences, employment, etc.
Description: This PDF offers resources for reentry in Austin/ Travis County. The guide provides a comprehensive list of resources and providers related to release planning, healthcare, employment, and housing.
Building Cultural Competence in Reentry Services Webinar
Description: This webinar outlines strategies for promoting cultural competence in reentry services through the hiring of formerly incarcerated individuals, so that agency staff can better understand the needs of clients. The webinar outlines steps agencies can take, including changing criminal background check procedures for clients, creating internship opportunities, and crafting a proper supervisory structure.
Cultural Education in Prison Settings Article
Description: This article discusses the importance of cultural re-education and awareness for corrections officers. The author discusses training programs that educate prison staff about linguistic and cultural differences. For example, medical staff need to be aware of the ways in which people of other cultures might express pain or mental health diagnoses differently.
Description: The reentry roundtable brings together a collaboration of stakeholders and partners to promote equitable reentry processes and policies in Austin/ Travis County. Their areas of advocacy and research include behavioral healthcare, employment, and housing.
Inside Books Project Home Page
Description: The Inside Books Project is a volunteer organization that sends free books and educational materials to prisoners all over the state of Texas. Their comprehensive resource guide for prisoners and their families covers topics like immigration help, death penalty resources, and parole and probation resources.
Description: TIFA is committed to reducing recidivism through the support and education of families of incarcerated individuals. Local chapters of TIFA provide parole workshops and packets, help families locate inmates transferred from county to state facilities, and advocate to the Texas legislature.