Can the community decrease the rate of recidivism in Everett?
Most of the community turn their backs to the troubles of the poor. Some people make bad choices because they don’t have enough money to get by, others had a rough upbringing and got into trouble at an early age. Many come into contact with the justice system at some point in their lives, and sometimes that means prison time. What happens to a prisoner after release? Most do not disappear into society and become “normal.” Offenders usually go back to their old ways for various issues, sometimes because they are too lazy to try, sometimes because of mental health issues or addiction problems, and sometimes they try but aren’t able to find a job or place to stay.
There is one thing for certain, if we made jobs, housing and programs/treatments more readily available, we would see a decrease in the rate of recidivism. The community needs to be made aware of how difficult it is for an ex-convict to change their life after prison and stay on the right track. By raising money for prisoners to get the treatment they need, housing, and finding work intended for offenders, the community could help offenders stay out of prison.
Morgan Erickson
Snohomish
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