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Aftercare is the only solution to the
high recidivism (returning to prison) rate. Without
God-centered aftercare, men and women coming out of
prison have little, if any, chance to make it in the
free-world.
Exactly what is "aftercare?" The word
alone, although describing what the ministry is, does
not really explain it. As the name indicates, it is
"care after" prison. It involves caring for those
special needs men and women have when they return to the
free world. It involves finding clothing, a place to
live, food, a job, counseling for the releasee (term for
an ex-inmate) as well as the family and transportation
to look for work. It may involve obtaining treatment for
drug/alcohol addiction. In addition to all this, it
involves teaching the releasee concepts and habits that
may be totally new to him: getting along with those in
authority, being dependable and being punctual. It also
involves teaching the releasee how to make "good
choices" instead of the "wrong choices" they made which
landed them in prison in the first place. Our goal is to
teach them to be productive, moral and responsible
Christian adults.
Some facts which clearly indicate
the importance of aftercare:
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80% of inmates involved in a
chaplaincy program on the inside will not
join a local church after release.
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85% of inmate marriages will
fail during incarceration.
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97% of all marriages will be
dissolved within three years after release.
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Nationally, 75% of men and
women will be rearrested within four years. |
Because of statistics like these, there
is an obvious need for effective aftercare.
A comprehensive aftercare program:
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Begins with ministry to the
inmate before release. This serves to build
the relationship between the inmate and the
person with whom he/she will be associated
upon release.
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Offers the inmate a "mentor,"
a volunteer to support, guide and provide a
source of accountability for the inmate.
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Includes access to a treatment plan for
alcohol and drug addiction.
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Prepares the releasee for
employment and assists him/her in obtaining
employment. This may include further formal
education, literacy assistance, specific
job-related skills (interviewing, resumes,
etc.) or training for specific employment.
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Provides speakers, seminars
and/or classes on "life-skills" which may
need addressing, such as
relationships/marriage, parenting, anger
management, grief, sexual identity, goal
setting or decision-making.
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Includes spiritual guidance
with continuing Bible studies, affiliation
with a church and Philemon support groups. |
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