EMU
social work students provide needed services for
prisoners through Michigan Prison Reentry Initiative
Prisoner Reentry in Michigan
Each year, more than 10,000 inmates are released
from Michigan's 50,000-bed prison system. The majority
of offenders (86 percent or about 9,000) are released
under parole supervision. Appoximately 18 percent
(more than 1,600) paroled will have their parole
revoked and be returned to prison within just 12
months of release. Approximately 44 percent (at
least 3,900 offenders) will return to prison within
two years. — From National Governors
Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices Web
site |
It’s hard enough to serve a prison term, but when
it’s time to be released, the challenges can be daunting.
A
statewide program, the Michigan Prison Reentry Initiative
(MPRI), provides vital support to men and women on
parole for offenses ranging from pedophilia to armed robbery
or substance abuse.
"What makes the Washtenaw
County program so unique is the involvement of Eastern
Michigan University social work students," said
Bonnie Miller, a lecturer in social work, who supervises
the students. "This is the only
program in the state where students are involved."
"Washtenaw County
has the highest rate of recidivism in Michigan. More people on parole end
up going back to prison, which is why our students began
working with returning citizens, as they are called," said
Miller. "We’ve
been involved with the program for two years and we have a good success rate."
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