How to help someone coming out of the criminal justice system
When someone leaves prison, there is a high likelihood they will be either arrested or put back in detention. Non-profits, corrections offices and legal aid groups are trying to lower that high rate of recidivism by mitigating the struggle of…
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How obtaining identification can complicate the road from prison
For men and women coming out of prison every year, one of the first steps to re-entering society can be one of the most difficult: simply getting a valid ID. William Brangham reports on the many hurdles returning citizens often…
How driver’s license suspensions in New Mexico drive people deeper into debt
It is common in the U.S. for drivers to lose a license for reckless driving or driving while under the influence. In New Mexico, which has one of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the country, licenses may also…
Why kids need special support when a parent is locked up
CHICAGO – Ray Robinson was 8 years old when he was first detained by police. He grew up mostly on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by poverty, drugs and gang violence. Robinson’s parents “did the best they could,” but…
Research has found that prisoners who maintain close contact with their family members while incarcerated have lower recidivism rates. But for formerly incarcerated mothers, rebuilding relationships with their children can be incredibly challenging after they serve time behind bars. Amna…
When people are incarcerated, the government ID they had when entering prison may no longer be valid when they are released. Yet this small piece of plastic is needed for many of life's basic necessities like housing, employment, medical care,…
For the first time since 1994, incarcerated individuals can get federal aid to pay for college. A prison education scholar explains how higher education helps those who have run afoul of the law.
Colorado, Nevada and New Jersey passed measures in 2019, and California voters approved a constitutional amendment, Proposition 17, in November to automatically restore voting rights to people on parole.
President-elect Joe Biden will face pressure when he takes office to make swift changes to the Department of Justice.
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