We need more compassion towards our returning citizens!
2.1 million people are incarcerated currently in the United States. Approximately 6.8 million people were under correctional supervision in the US last year. 65 million people have a criminal record. There are 5 million children under the age of 18 who have a parent who is incarcerated. If the trend continues 1 in 4 Black male babies born today will be incarcerated at some point in their lives. These statistics are born out of economic disadvantages and institutional racism. Children of offenders are 70% more likely to become involved in the criminal justice system. One in every 43 adults in the state of Virginia are either incarcerated or on probation or parole.
When asked about one of the main issues in criminal justice today Elizabeth Jones Valderrama, CEO of nonprofit Offender Aid & Restoration, responded that we incarcerate too many people in America and sometimes for too long, we need sentencing reform and focus on alternatives to incarceration, there is a substantial racial disparity in the criminal justice system, and that there are limited resources for people’s reentry and a lack of consideration of collateral consequences for individuals returning home and their families.
So who are the primary influencers from a broad perspective that can influence these statistics? I would imagine it is going to involve congress, state and local governments, various types of nonprofits and school system as well as community members asking for change and corporations.
EVERYBODY COUNTS and as compassionate community members we need to accept our fellow community members back into the community by providing the help that they need to WORK, LIVE AND ADD TO OUR COMMUNITY. It’s hard when you have a record. Is it fair to forever penalize our fellow members of the community? Let’s not set people up for failure.
One award winning organization is Offender Aid & Restoration of Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia (OAR). This award community-based organization works to help incarcerated and their families while incarcerated and then assist in their transition back to the community. They also advocate for more just systems.
Here is their vision and mission: OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe & thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil & human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting & dismantling individual racism & racism in the legal system & across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals returning from incarceration & their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration & instead help the community thrive.
Check out their website at www.oaronline.org or listen to our podcast interview with Executive Director, Elizabeth jones Valderrama.
Do you have an organization like OAR in your community? What help do they need.Contact us with your thoughts on our blog!