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."
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 |
"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."
Men and women on parole come out of Jackson prison and
other prisons, and immediately meet with their parole
officer, said Miller. Miller's students then meet
with the clients at the parole office. There are seven
EMU students, both undergraduates and graduates, enrolled
in the MPRI program this semester. The students are then
assigned to help a person with specific needs. The number
one vital need is housing, so they won't become homeless,
said Miller.
"We find housing for them and work with landlords.
Finding them jobs is probably the hardest
challenge in this economy," she said. "It's also
very hard to find mentors who will take on the responsibility
of mentoring participants at least once a week for a year.
It's not always easy, Miller said. The majority of returning
citizens don't have birth certificates and the state doesn't
allow an ID from prison. Yet, says Miller, a person can't
get a proper ID unless they have the birth certificate. Some
don't even know where they were born. That's where the
EMU students can help.
If successful, each person graduates from the program
in six months with housing; counseling if needed; and skills
on how to dress properly, write a resume and interview
professionally. Since EMU's involvement two years ago,
more than 100 participants have been helped, according
to Miller.
"When a person goes back to prison, it costs Michigan
a fortune," said
Miller. "It's extremely exciting to see the results when
these men and women graduate."
