NCJ Number
125286
Date Published
1987
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This document gives insight into the social and psychological changes a person can expect to go through when involved in the criminal justice experience.
Abstract
Some major changes that a person goes through are loss of freedom and the ability to make decisions, loss of identity and membership to society, and changes in the family. Although imprisonment is lonely and painful, there are ways of approaching it to make it a positive, rather than negative experience. One way is to maintain a sense of hope and unbending motivation. Another is to develop a realistic plan with achievable goals to sustain motivation. Others are expanding academic education and job skills; seeking opportunities to carry out the plan both while in prison and after release; and seeking the support needed from loved ones and community resources. Upon release, it is important to face reality and not have false expectations. Adjustments are to be made on a social and personal level. An incarcerated person's family members probably have the same kind of experiences as the inmate does. A support group is an important resource for resolving the grief, anger, and depression felt by an inmate's loved ones.