“Right now 30% of state jail inmates and 21% of Texas prison inmates end up going back to jail within three years. State leaders want to see more of these newly released inmates get into new careers.”
AUGUST 25, 2022
by Fred Cantu
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas lawmakers are taking a hard look at the revolving door in Texas prisons. Right now 30% of state jail inmates and 21% of Texas prison inmates end up going back to jail within three years. State leaders want to see more of these newly released inmates get into new careers.
Texas lawmakers are hearing a hard time for Texas inmates doesn’t end when they leave prison. A large number will be back behind bars because they simply failed to successfully reenter society.
This week the Texas House Committee on Criminal Justice Reform heard testimony on the problems many inmates encounter when they’re released. They’re free but to stay free they’ll need employment, transportation, perhaps mental health care, and of course stable permanent housing. Christina Melton Crain, chair of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) commented, “You’re not going to keep a job (even) if someone gives you a job if you don’t have these other things taken care of.”
TDCJ says it’s seeing some success reducing the number of repeat offenders. They’re proud of their STRIVE program promoting a more positive outlook from their inmates as they prepare to reenter society.
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