REENTERING

YOUR COMMUNITY
A Handbook

Federal Bureau of Prisons

“Reentering Your Community
- A Handbook”
First Edition • April 2016
https://www.bop.gov/resources/pdfs/reentry_handbook.pdf
WHAT IS THIS
HANDBOOK FOR?
Reentering your community Reentry can be a complicated
can be more manageable when process – others have felt the
you’re aware of services and same way. But many of them
resources available to help. were able to overcome this and
have succeeded in finding work,
This handbook contains 3 checklists: supporting themselves and their
• for before your release, families, and more. We want
• just after you return home, you to achieve the same.
• and later, when you’re a bit more
settled in.
You are a member of your community, and
we want to help you transition home and
It also includes additional information in succeed. If you have any questions, don’t
specific areas where you may have questions hesitate to call the Bureau of Prisons
or be looking for tools available to you. Reentry Hotline (toll-free) at
1-877-895-9196.
Be sure to review these lists, and discuss
them and questions you may have with your 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that
Case Manager, Bureau Social Worker, or helps people find the local resources they
Reentry Affairs Coordinator. need (including reentry services) 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week by calling 2-1-1 or by
visiting www.211.org.
 WHAT’S IN CHECKLIST #1:
THIS GUIDE? THINGS TO DO
BEFORE YOUR RELEASE
TIMELINE: Start this at least 8 weeks
n CHECKLIST #1: 1 2 3
before you leave.
Things to do Before Your Release.............. 3
DEF
ABC

5 6
4 MNO

n Get your identification documents.

JKL

n CHECKLIST #2:
GHI

8 9
7 WXYZ

Things to do Immediately After

TUV
PQRS

0 # Talk with your Case Manager or Reentry

Your Return...................................................* 6 ABC

Affairs Coordinator about this, because

they can help you.
n CHECKLIST #3: 2 3
Things to do to Rebuild............................... 9 1 DEF

• You can get a6 social security card or a

ABC

5
• Managing Your Money............................... 11 replacement
4
GHI card for free from the Social
JKL
MNO

9
Security
7 Administration.
PQRS
8
TUV If you do not get
WXYZ

• Getting Support.......................................... 15 your card before

0 # you leave prison, the appli-
* ABC

cation and other information can be found at

• Taking Care of Your Physical
https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber
and Mental Health...................................... 21
• Birth certificates can be ordered while you
• Building Your Skills..................................... 25 are in prison from the state where you were
• Finding a Job.............................................. 27 born. If you do not get your birth certificate
before you leave prison, this website shows
• Seeking Legal Assistance.......................... 31 you where to write for vital records for each
• Rebuilding Your Relationships.................. 35 state and territory:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm
• Know Who to Contact................................ 38

2 3
 n Get proof of your GED / high school n Find out about any outstanding fees,
completion, or any other classes you fines, debts, or warrants.
took while in prison. Speak to your Case Manager about how
• If you got your GED while in prison, make to find out if you have any outstanding fees,
sure you have your transcript before you are fines, warrants or debts. These can limit your
released. The Bureau does not keep or give ability to obtain employment, housing, or
GED transcripts post-release. even lead to arrest. If you have outstanding
• If you can, create a folder with everything child support payments, failing to manage
positive you have done while in prison, this before your release could prevent you
including certificates for vocational training, from getting a driver’s license.
drug treatment, anger management or any
other cognitive behavioral therapy. n Are you a veteran? If yes, make sure
you have your military discharge
papers.
n Get your medical records.
Ask Health Services about getting copies You can do this either online (after your
of your medical records while you are still in release) or by mail. If you choose to do by
prison to help you transition to treatment in mail, check with your Case Manager to
the community. see if they can give you the paper form.
Instructions and forms for both online and by
n Confirm your housing. mail can be found at http://www.archives.
gov/veterans/military-service-records/
Your Reentry Affairs Coordinator, Case
Manager, or Social Worker (if available) can
provide you information about finding a place
to live in your release city. Social Workers
can also help if you need special housing
such as a nursing home, assisted living,
senior housing, or group home placement.

4 5
 CHECKLIST #2: n Get a photo ID.
THINGS TO DO IMMEDIATELY You can obtain one through your local
AFTER YOUR RETURN Department of Motor Vehicles. To find your
local Department of Motor Vehicles, and know
what documents to bring (probably your birth
TIMELINE: Do these in your first week certificate and/or social security card), visit
of reentry. www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services
If you are transitioning through a Residential
Reentry Center, staff at the center will be able n Sign-up for Health Insurance.
to assist you with some of the items on this The Affordable Care Act has created free or
checklist. low-cost health care coverage options and
3
improved access to health care services.
2
n Find somewhere to access the 1 ABC
DEF

6 • If you need low-cost health insurance, go to

internet. 4
GHI
5
JKL
MNO

the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.

8 9
Most public libraries offer free internet 7
PQRS
TUV
WXYZ
healthcare.gov.) The website helps individ-
access (although photo identification may be *
0
ABC
#
uals find and sign up for health care coverage
required) and library staff can help you. Most and those who qualify can also sign up for
Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) also Medicaid. Upon release, you have a 60-day
have internet services. special enrollment period to sign up.
• You can also call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY:
n Create an email address. 1-855-889-4325) 24/7 if you don’t have a
Many websites (for example www.gmail.com computer or need help. The phone line is
or www.yahoo.com) allow you to set-up a closed Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day,
free email account. To make it simple and Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
professional, use your first name and last
name, or some combination of your initials. • Are you a veteran? If yes, you may qualify
Write it down: for healthcare through the Department of
Veterans Affairs. Information about your
health benefits as a veteran can be found at:
____________________________________ http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/
(ex. johndoe@gmail.com) veterans.asp
6 7
 n Are you under age 26? CHECKLIST #3:
If yes, confirm your selective service status. THINGS TO DO TO REBUILD
Your status may be required by employers or
for student loans. TIMELINE: Do these in your first month
• Call toll-free 1-888-655-1825 of reentry.
• Young men in prison do not have to register
while they are committed. However, they
n Take control of your finances.
must register within 30 days after being To qualify for certain benefits, you will need
released if they have not yet reached their to understand your current debts, bills, and
26th birthday. other payments. Having a bank account and
using free tools can help you manage this.
n Get proof of your GED / high school See the “Managing Your Money”
2 3 section on
1 DEF

completion page 11.

ABC

65
4 JKL
MNO
GHI

• If you earned your high school diploma

before you were in prison, you can get a
n Connect with assistance
7 programs
9
PQRS
and
8V
TU
WXYZ

community organizations
0 that
# can help.
copy from the Department of Education for * ABC

the state where you attended high school. Once you understand your finances, apply for
Contact information can be found at: benefit programs that can help you get food
www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/. GED and other necessities. Community organiza-
certificates can be requested from the state’s tions are also ready to help. See the “Getting
GED Administrator where you took the Support” section on page 15.
test: www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/
ged-testing-administrator. n Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
You have a lot going on, but making sure to
stay healthy and keeping on track with any
medications or appointments will help you
complete all the other things you need to do.
See the “Taking Care of Your Physical and
Mental Health” section on page 21.

8 9
 n Continue your education. MANAGING YOUR MONEY
There are many ways to build your skills and
qualify for better jobs. See the “Building Your Setting Up a Bank Account
Skills” section on page 25.
Having a bank account with a debit card will really
n Begin your job search. help to organize your finances. To learn more about
how to select a checking account 2 that
3 is right for
See the “Finding a Job” section on page 27. 1 ABC
DEF

you, check out the Consumer 4

Financial
5 6 Protection
MNO
JKL

Bureau’s (CFPB) resource on this: http://www.

n If you need legal assistance, connect
GHI

8 9
7 WXYZ

with organizations that do this for free. consumerfinance.gov/blog/guides-to-help-you-

PQRS
TUV

0 #
open-and-manage-your-checking-account/
* ABC

Many non-profits exist to support you if you

experience discrimination or other injustice. Most banks will require the following information to
To better understand your rights, reach out to open an account:
one of these organizations. See the “Seeking • Identification: A valid, government-issued
Legal Assistance” section on page 31. photo ID.
• Personal information details: Name, date
n Focus on re-building your relationships. of birth, address, phone number, and Social
Reconnecting with loved ones and having
Security number.
them support your transition can be
incredibly empowering. However, it will take • Money: Cash, a check, a money order, or
time and patience. See the “Rebuilding funds you can electronically transfer into the
Relationships” section on page 35. new account.

Understanding Your Credit

You are entitled to a free copy of your credit
report, once a year. Your credit report may be
used for background screening for employment
and housing. To order your free report:
• Online – www.annualcreditreport.com
• Phone – 1-877-322-8228
10 11
 Asking General Questions • For free tax preparation assistance:
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
CFPB also has a frequently-asked questions
section, where people can learn important • To estimate the value of your EITC credit:
financial information. Questions like the following http://www.cbpp.org/research/
are answered at: federal-tax/policy-basics-the-earned-
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/ income-tax-credit

• My employer says I have to have direct Managing Payments

deposit. Everywhere I go, the banks and
Child Support: As mentioned in Checklist #1,
credit unions seem to charge fees. How can I
managing your child support requirements is
find the right account for me?
incredibly important. If you have a child support
• My credit report has information that’s not order, you may be able to apply for a modifica-
accurate. How can I fix it? tion from the court to have your child support
• Should I borrow money from my credit card order reduced to reflect a lack of earnings or low
or take out a small loan to cover my bills until earnings. You may also be eligible to participate
my next paycheck? in programs that may help you find a job,
reinstate your driver’s license, offer parenting
Another government website that provides tools education, or help reduce the amount of child
and guidance to managing your money is: support debt you owe. Legal Aid offices may
www.MyMoney.gov be able to help with legal representation in child
support cases.
Filing Taxes and Getting Credits
• The contact information for Child Support
If you do obtain a job, you may be eligible for a
offices in each state, and some tribes, can
refundable tax credit (the Earned-Income Tax
be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
Credit – EITC) that encourages work and makes
programs/css/resource/state-and-tribal-
up for other taxes, such as payroll taxes. Millions
child-support-agency-contacts
of working families and individuals qualify for
EITC; however, you must file a tax return.

12 13
 0 #
* ABC

• A state-by-state guide for how to apply

for a modification of a child support order
GETTING SUPPORT
can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/css/state-by-state-how-to- Navigating Assistance Programs
change-a-child-support-order Programs that are available are outlined in this
• This guide on Changing a Child Support section. However, navigating these one at a time
Order has more information: www.acf.hhs. can be complicated. Reach out to Community
gov/sites/default/files/programs/css/ Organizations that can help you identify and
changing_a_child_support_order.pdf apply for programs that are right for you.

Student Loan Debt • United Way: United Way agencies are

non-profit organizations offering services to
Having a student loan in default also prevents individuals and families in need. Many United
the release of a new student loan, harming your Way agencies give housing assistance or
ability to continue your education. If you’re not referrals to supportive housing, nursing homes,
sure about your student loans, verify your and other residential programs in your area. In
loan status. most communities, United Way agencies can
1. Call the Department of Education at (800) be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or by going to:
621-3115 or check the National Student Loan www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way/
Data System website (www.nslds.ed.gov) to • Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has a
make sure there is no loan for you on file. network of shelters and programs across the
2. If you have a loan in default, there are nation. When available, they may be able to
several options available to you, including give lodging, clothing, food, and a cash grant
Income-Driven Repayment plans, to help you for the first 90 days after you are released from
manage this. You can learn more and connect RRC placement. You can find more information
with someone that can help you think about about the Salvation Army on their website at:
this at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ www.salvationarmy.org
repay-loans • Goodwill Industries International, Inc.:
Goodwill helps individuals and families with
education, skills training, and job placement
services, as well as helps with supporting

14 15
 services such as transportation, housing, and • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Unemploy-
clothing. You can find out about Goodwill services ment Insurance provides temporary financial
in your area by going to: www.goodwill.org help to workers who are unemployed through
no fault of their own. Eligibility, as well as the
Are you a veteran? amount and length of benefits, are determined
A variety of benefits are available to individuals by each state. Usually, you will have to have
who have served in the United States military. been employed for some time before you can
For more information go to: collect UI. More information can be found at:
www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/ and for housing http://www.careeronestop.org/ReEmployment/
support, call 1-877-424-3838. UnemploymentBenefits/am-i-eligible.aspx

Food Assistance Programs

Income Assistance Programs • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (SNAP): The Department of Agriculture gives
(TANF): The Department of Health and Human nutrition assistance to eligible low-income
Services gives employment services and cash individuals and families. In order to receive
assistance to low-income families. To learn eligi- benefits, families must meet certain financial
bility criteria and how to apply in your state, go to: and non-financial criteria. (Note: If you are
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/help receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Families (TANF), you are automatically eligible.)
Provides money to low-income individuals To learn eligibility criteria and how to apply in
who are either age 65 or older, blind, or your state, go to:
disabled. For more information go to: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply
www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html Note: A federal law prohibits anyone convicted
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): of a drug felony from receiving SNAP or TANF;
Provides income to people with physical or however, most states have limited or eliminated
mental problems that are severe enough to that ban. For more information on your eligi-
prevent them from working. Information can be bility, see: www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-
found at: www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2015/07/30/
states-rethink-restrictions-on-food-stamps-
welfare-for-drug-felons

16 17
 • Emergency Food Assistance Program Care (CoC) in your area, go to: https://www.
(TEFAP): Each state sets requirements to hudexchange.info/programs/coc/ and click
determine who is eligible to receive free food. on “Contact a CoC” to search.
More information, including how to apply, is Note: Some local housing authorities restrict
found at: www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/ access to housing for those with a criminal
eligibility-and-how-apply conviction, but many will consider any rehabili-
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program tative programming you have received (such as
(CSFP): The U.S. Department of Agriculture RDAP) and your family support system in their
also purchases food and makes it available to decision.
CSFP agencies in each state for low-income
people at least 60 years of age. More informa- Transportation Assistance
tion can be found at: www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/ Getting to medical appointments, job interviews,
eligibility-how-apply or other important meetings can be difficult if
you don’t have a car. Public transportation is
Housing Assistance usually the most inexpensive option, and each
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban city and state has their own programs to help
Development (HUD) provides low-cost housing with the cost of public transportation. Your local
assistance to those who qualify. These programs community organization can help you navigate
generally are managed by local government this. Additionally, here are some other options:
agencies. • Rural Transit Assistance Programs: These
• You can get help finding local housing and help the millions of Americans that live in
shelters by calling 1-800-569-4287 or going cities of less than 50,000 people. To contact
to: http://resources.hud.gov/ and clicking on and learn more about transportation support
“Find Homeless Services Near Me.” in your state, go to: http://nationalrtap.org/
• If you are not able to secure housing through findanything/Appendices/State-RTAP-5311-
a program or through family or friends, you Websites and click on the RTAP and/or 5311
may wish to contact a “Continuum of Care” site for your state.
who may be able to provide you with short- or • Public Transportation and Mass Transit:
long-term assistance. To find a Continuum of Check your city for bus, subway, light railway,
or regional railway express options. Public

18 19
 transit schedules are always available for free
TAKING CARE OF YOUR
2 3
1 ABC
DEF

online. Special assistance such as reduced 6

fares or services for the elderly and disabled PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
4
GHI

7
5
JKL

8
MNO

9
WXYZ

exist as well, but you’ll need to check locally

TUV
PQRS

0 #
for details. *
Maintaining
ABC

Your Physical Health

• Walking/Bicycling: If you can, plan to live Once you have health insurance, you will be able
within walking or bicycling distance to work, to go to any health care provider who accepts
shopping, and your family. To learn more your health insurance plan. Finding a primary
about biking laws, safety tips, and other best care provider is the best way to manage your
practices about biking, check out: health instead of going to the Emergency Room or
http://bikeleague.org/ridesmart Urgent Care – it will save you money and time and
• Ridesharing/Carpools: Carpools can save increase the likelihood of staying healthy.
you money in commuting expenses. Some You may be referred to specialty doctors for
carpools pick up riders at their homes, meet at specific health concerns. Visit these providers as
a place everyone agrees on, or in a commuter soon as possible. You should also get your vision
lot. If you want to learn more about options checked at least once a year, and your teeth
available in your state, a quick search online cleaned once every six months to help prevent
will help you find sites like: http://www. more serious problems in the future.
rideshare-directory.com/ that have different
message boards and ways to connect with If you need health care right away, you
others interested. can find a community clinic here:
http://www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
• Taxi Cabs: Typically, cabs are a convenient
form of transportation; however, they can Are you a veteran?
also be the most expensive. If you have a
You can find your nearest VA medical center
smartphone and services are available in your
here: http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/
area, transportation applications (for example:
division_flsh.asp?dnum=1
“LyftLine,” “UberX,” and “UberPool”) offer
lower-cost options. You can learn more about
these services, and the costs, on their websites. Using Mental Health Services
Adjusting to life outside of prison can be difficult at
times; you may find yourself feeling discouraged
20 21
 or depressed. Many people – millions of Amer- Ask your Drug Abuse Program Coordinator or
icans, in fact – experience some kind of mental Community Treatment Services Provider if he
health challenge, whether it is depression, anxiety, or she can help you find a treatment or support
or some form of addiction. You should feel program before your release. If you have a
comfortable asking any questions you have about supervised release plan, your Probation Officer
your mental health with your primary care provider may be able to arrange for you to participate in a
– and know that checkups and services for these substance abuse treatment program.
are covered by most insurance companies as any • Most communities have self-help support
other health service. groups. Local Alcoholics Anonymous and
• Additionally, you can find free or low-cost mental Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be
health services available in your area on the found here:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services - www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa
Administration (SAMHSA) website: https://
findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ or by calling the - www.na.org/meetingsearch/
National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP/4357 • You can find a drug treatment facility by visiting
(TDD: 1-800-487-4889). the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
• No matter what problems you are dealing with, Services Administration (SAMHSA) website
there is a reason to keep on living. By calling at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
1-800-273-TALK (8255) at any time, you will or by calling the National Helpline
be connected to a counselor at a crisis center (1-800-662-HELP/4357; 1-800-487-4889 TDD)
in your area. You can also visit the National • The following organizations may be able to help
Suicide Prevention Lifeline website at: you find other support and treatment resources
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. in your local area:
Keeping Up with Drug Treatment Services - National Drug Information Treatment and
Referral Hotline: 1-(800)-662-HELP
Many people who are returning to the community
have a history of abusing substances like alcohol - National Mental Health Association: (703)
and illegal or prescription drugs. You may have 684-7722 voice, (800) 969-6642 info line
participated in treatment while incarcerated, and - National Health Information Center:
it is important to maintain a drug-free lifestyle (800) 336-4797
after release.
22 23
 * ABC

- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug

Information (NCADI): 1-(800)-729-6686
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS
- National Mental Health Knowledge Exchange Having an education is important because
Network (KEN): 1-(800)-789-2647 it increases employment options. There are
- American Council on Alcoholism: many ways to further your education upon release.
(703) 248-9005 Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs are
for individuals who want to improve in reading,
Forgot to get your medical records
writing, math, listening, and speaking. ABE
before your release?
programs are offered at adult schools, career
You’ll need to send a letter to the Federal Bureau centers, libraries, or community colleges for free
of Prisons. or for a small fee.
The letter must specifically describe the records If you do not have a high school diploma or
you want and provide the following: full name, GED, you should enroll in a GED program as
register number, birthdate, where you were born, soon as possible after release. The GED test
and the address where you want your records allows adults who have not completed high
to be mailed. To protect your privacy, the letter school to show they have the knowledge and
must either be notarized (you will need to have a skills associated with a high school diploma.
notary public sign the letter) or you must include a Many community colleges offer programs that
signed Form DOJ-361, Certification of Identity. allow you to earn a GED and college credits at
The form can be found at: http://www.bop.gov/ the same time.
foia/DOJ361.pdf. Notaries are commonly found
• You can find GED test preparation classes near
at banks, city halls and county courthouses.
you at: www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/
Mail this letter to: locate-a-prep-center or by calling the toll-free
FOIA/PA Section number 1-800-MY-GED (1-800-626-9433).
Office of General Counsel, Room 924 If you have a high school diploma or GED
Federal Bureau of Prisons and want to further your education, there are
320 First Street, N.W. resources available to help you with the cost
Washington, DC 20534 of college. Community colleges are a common
option for individuals returning home from
prison. The low cost of tuition and the variety
24 25
 of programs offered make these colleges an
ideal starting place. By enrolling in a community
FINDING A JOB
college, you can earn an Associate’s degree and
then transfer to a four-year college or university Being prepared will improve your
to earn a Bachelor’s degree. chances of finding a job.
• The Free Application for Federal Student 1. Make sure your background information is
Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for accessing accurate.
1 Many
2 3 companies do screenings that
ABC
DEF

all federal student financial aid. You can find may include
4 5 criminal
6 record information.
MNO
JKL

FAFSA online at: http://www.fafsa.gov or you GHI

• In the “Employment
8 9 Screening” section of
7 WXYZ

can request a paper copy from PQRS

the following
TUV

link, you can find reporting

0 #
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). agencies * that will give you a free report every
ABC

• Federal student aid information can be found 12 months: http://files.consumerfinance.

at: http://www.StudentLoans.gov gov/f/201501_cfpb_list-consumer-
Vocational programs provide you with skills reporting-agencies.pdf
required for a particular job. They are also 2. Outline steps for your job hunt by visiting
referred to as occupational, votech, or career the Department of Labor’s “Career One Stop”
and technical education programs. Vocational at: www.careeronestop.org
programs are available through community and • On this site, you can do everything from find
technical colleges, as well as trade schools, and trainings, resume guides, interview tips, to
they take less time to complete than academic search job databases.
college degree programs.
3. Create an “application package” by putting
• You can apply at the local employment office, together a draft resume and collect the items
as a “displaced worker,” for Department of you put together during Checklist #1 (certifi-
Labor Second Chance Act funds if you want cates, activities you completed in prison, and
to learn a vocational trade. letters of recommendation.)
Are you a veteran? 4. Get some feedback on your resume and
application package from someone who is
You may qualify for education benefits:
trained to help individuals search, prepare for,
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp
and apply to jobs.

26 27
 • Call 2-1-1, or connect with other Community 6. Prepare for your interview by following tips
Organizations listed in the “Getting Support” at http://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/
section and ask about employment services. Interview/interview-and-negotiate.aspx.
• Search for a local American Job Center: Some of the basics include:
http://www.careeronestop.org/localhelp/ • Have a list of your strengths and be ready
americanjobcenters/find-american to talk about them. What are you good at?
-job-centers.aspx to meet with an employ- What type of work do you enjoy? What expe-
ment counselor. rience or skills can you offer an employer?
• Look up your state’s resources through • Think about how you will answer questions
the National HIRE Network. They have about your record.
organizations in your state that help people
with criminal records find employment: • Look at common interview questions: www.
www.hirenetwork.org/ careeronestop.org/JobSearch/Interview/
common-interview-questions.aspx.
5. Search for jobs online at:
www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/ • Make sure you are clean and well-
findjobs/find-jobs.aspx, but also connect dressed. A local community organization
with your local job center or employment can help you with this.
assistance organization to learn more about • Be on time. Several days before, plan how
tools that they have to find jobs. you will travel to your interview and what
• Many sites online list companies that have time you will need to leave in order to arrive a
programs in which they hire individuals with few minutes early.
conviction histories.
• The National Employment Law Project
(NELP) lists the states that have “Banned
the Box” or enacted Fair Hiring laws or
policies. Go to: www.nelp.org/publication/
ban-the-box-fair-chance-hiring-state-and-
local-guide/ for more information.

28 29
 Do not be discouraged if it takes a while to SEEKING 2 3
1 ABC
DEF

get a job. If potential employers express concern 6

about hiring people with a criminal record, you LEGAL ASSISTANCE 4

GHI

7
5
JKL

8
MNO

9
WXYZ

can tell potential employers about two programs

TUV
PQRS

0 #
that offer insurance to employers who hire You may qualify for free legal *help (called “legal
ABC

someone with a record: aid”) for civil legal problems that affect your daily
life. Getting help in these areas can help you get
• Federal Bonding Program –­ Any organization
back on your feet more quickly.
(public or private, nonprofit or profit) providing
job placement services to ex-offenders can How can legal aid help?
purchase a bond package to protect the
employer against employee theft when they Legal aid providers – lawyers, staff and volunteers
hire at-risk job applicants. Call 1-800-233-2258 – provide free legal help in many ways. Legal aid
or go to www.bonds4jobs.com providers can help you figure out your legal need,
and can give you advice on your legal options.
• Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR). They can also prepare a court or benefit form for
If you worked for UNICOR, potential employers you, and represent you in court.
should contact UNICOR for information
regarding the Federal Bonding Program by Do you have a “civil legal problem”?
calling (202) 305-3800. The program protects Here are some examples of the most common
employers against theft. More information can civil legal problems that many people face as they
be found at: www.unicor.gov leave prison and that legal aid can help you with:
• Getting state-issued photo identification, birth
Are you a veteran? certificate, social security card, etc.
The following resources are available:
• Getting a driver’s license
- http://www.va.gov/homeless/employment
• State and federal benefits, including benefits
_programs.asp
related to food (SNAP), cash (TANF), and
- http://www.dol.gov/vets/ disability (SSI)
• Getting veteran’s benefits
• Immigration issues

30 31
 • Housing issues, including affordable housing, • If you believe you may have experienced
safe housing and avoiding eviction illegal discrimination, you can file a charge
• Health care access, including Medicaid, with the EEOC: http://www.eeoc.gov/
Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act employees/howtofile.cfm

• Safety issues, including domestic violence, Who should I contact?

harassment, child abuse and neglect The following websites will help you find legal
• Family issues, including custody, child aid providers by the city, county, zip code and/
support, guardianship and divorce or legal issue.
• Expunging or sealing your criminal record • http://www.lawhelp.org/find-help
• Getting an employment or occupational • www.lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid
license • www.hirenetwork.org/clearinghouse
• Dealing with unpaid tickets, court fines or The American Bar Association (ABA) has a list
fees and outstanding warrants of legal aid providers who work on reentry issues.
• Debt collection issues More information can be found at:
• Criminal record-based employment www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/
discrimination administrative/probono_public_service/
Under laws enforced by federal and/or state lsc_reentry_projects.authcheckdam.pdf
agencies employers must not treat anyone, The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has
including people with criminal records, differently a list of legal organizations that focus on Indian
based on their race, national origin, or another law or serve Native American communities.
reason protected by law. Go to: www.narf.org/nill/resources/lawyer.
• For a simple overview of your rights as you html for more information.
are applying to jobs, and to better understand
what companies are allowed to ask for, read
NELP’s guide: http://www.nelp.org/
content/uploads/2015/03/Guide-for-
Workers-Conviction-Arrest-Histories-
Know-Your-Rights.pdf
32 33
 * ABC

What else should I be thinking about?

REBUILDING
Find out if you have the right to vote in your
state, and if there is anything you need to do to
YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
restore your right to vote: www.nonprofitvote.
org/voting-as-an-ex-offender/ For most people reentering their community, it
will take some time to get used to life back at
• If you are able to do so, register to vote: home. You may not feel comfortable right away.
https://vote.usa.gov You and your family and friends will have to make
Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from some changes.
possessing firearms or ammunition. In addi- Your family members will have attempted to
tion to physically holding or having a firearm or adapt to everyday routines without you there,
ammunition on you, “possession” also includes a and may have learned to do things around the
firearm or ammunition that you have knowledge house (budgeting, grocery shopping, car repair,
of, and control over, in an automobile or a home. and other household chores) that you used to do.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition can result It is important to talk to your family about how
in new federal charges. you are feeling and decide how to take care of
• Some states have also enacted additional these things now that you are home.
restrictions on weapons such as tasers, stun Here are some other suggestions that can help:
guns, and crossbows. You should check
with your probation officer or local law • Begin by appreciating the small things
enforcement agency before you come into others take for granted – such as privacy, being
possession of any type of weapon. able to come and go as you please, planning
your meals, and more.
Are you a veteran? • Avoid talking about life in prison as your only
conversation topic. Practice making “small
The Veterans Administration has a list of legal talk” about daily events instead.
organizations and providers that work with
veterans and active duty service members: • It will be difficult to catch up on everything that
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division happened while you were away. Be patient
_flsh.asp?dnum=1 with yourself, and your family and friends.

34 35
 • Understand that things will take time, for • If you are asked about your incarceration,
both you and those around you, and that even answer questions honestly. You do not need
small steps are important. to tell them it was “no big deal” or act “tough.”
Trust takes time to rebuild. As your family Let them know being in prison is no way to
learns to trust you, they will do so more and spend your life.
more and you will begin to feel more comfortable Helpful resources about rebuilding relationships
within your family again. Since you were in with family are available from the National
prison, a divorce or child custody proceeding Resource Center for Children and Families of the
may have happened and changed your family as Incarcerated: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.
you once knew it. edu/. The Resource Center also has a directory
• Show your loved ones that you understand of programs specifically designed to help
you may have hurt them, and allow them to children who have had a parent in prison or jail.
share painful memories with you.
• Children may have become used to living
without their mom or dad. They may not under-
stand everything that has happened, where
you were, or why you were away. You can ask
them if they have any questions, and be patient
with them as they readjust.
• Your parents and your children are not the
same as when you left - do not try to treat
them the way you did. They have aged and
changed. Show them you care about their
needs, are interested in what they are doing,
and you want to spend time with them.

36 37
 KNOW WHO 1 2
ABC
3
DEF

TO CONTACT 5 6
4
GHI
JKL
MNO
If you are unsure about federal policies that affect
8 9
7
PQRS
TUV
WXYZ
people who have been incarcerated, such as
If you have general questions or need help *
0
ABC
#
not being eligible for certain benefits, not being
getting your personal records: allowed to live in certain places, or you think
you’ve experienced other discrimination:
• Bureau of Prisons Hotline
Call 1-877-895-9196 or visit http://www. • Reentry Myth Busters
bop.gov/resources/former_inmate Visit www.csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/
_resources.jsp projects/mythbusters/
If you need free and confidential help obtaining
food, housing, health care, employment, coun-
seling and other critical services 24/7 in your
area:
• 2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 (from either a cell phone or a land
line) or visit www.211.org
If you are experiencing a crisis or want to talk to
someone for support:
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
If you want to find a place to get help navigating
services, using a computer, or learn more about
services available to you in your community:
• National Reentry Resource Center (RRC)
For more information visit:
https://csgjusticecenter.org/reentry/
reentry-services-directory/

38 39
 NOTES

40