Our Focus
Substance Use Disorder
Decades of research show that providing comprehensive substance use treatment to criminal offenders during incarceration is effective in reducing both drug use and crime after their release into the community. The criminal justice system has high rates of substance use, with 85% of the prison population either having an active substance use disorder or being incarcerated for drug-related crimes. Inmates with opioids,K2, or alcohol use disorder face a higher risk of overdose following their release.
We believe effective treatment should be provided during and after incarceration and must include comprehensive care, such as medication, behavioral therapy, and opportunities for employment and housing.
Medical Awareness
The number of inmates with mental health needs has steadily increased over the past decade and now accounts for more than half of the total jail population. Additionally, the percentage of inmates held for more serious crimes, particularly those awaiting charges and sentencing, has also risen. These changes underscore the challenges that county jails and prisons encounter and emphasize the importance of recent efforts to improve access to mental health services.
Employment
Formerly incarcerated individuals encounter significant barriers to securing stable employment, which creates negative impacts for society as a whole. Time spent in prison does not enhance their job qualifications, and the challenges of reentry often heighten their urgency in seeking job offers, as current data clearly indicates. It is crucial to provide greater opportunities in today's labor market for those exiting incarceration. By expanding access to job opportunities, we can ensure that successful reentry starts promptly, fostering stability instead of uncertainty.
P.E.P. TALK and our partners are dedicated to developing in-prison training programs that align with various industries. We are also working on reforms such as developing occupational licensing, facilitating record expungement to transform the reentry experience and support individuals as they embark on their new journeys.
Housing
With nearly one-third of the adult population carrying a criminal record, the barriers to housing and employment are substantial and undeniable. Each year, over 50,000 individuals released from jail or prison find themselves with no option but to reside on the streets or in shelters. People who have been incarcerated are up to 13 times more likely to experience homelessness.
It is essential to recognize that individuals lacking stable housing face increased vulnerability to incarceration merely for the act of existing in public spaces, particularly in jurisdictions that enforce laws against homelessness. This issue necessitates immediate attention and decisive action to develop equitable solutions for all individuals, irrespective of their past circumstances. The P.E.P. organization is committed to assisting those in need of housing by providing resources for a better beginning, both within institutional settings and in the community.
Education
Stable financial management is essential for achieving a more stable life and lifestyle, yet this can be particularly challenging for ex-offenders. Equipping inmates with financial education, career trades, college credits, money management skills, and entrepreneurship training are critical resources. This endeavor goes beyond imparting knowledge; it instills hope. Enhancing participation in educational programs within prisons can substantially improve prisoners' readiness for reintegration into society upon release, yielding considerable fiscal and social advantages.