Reentering Your Community - A Handbook, FBOP, 2016

• June 2, 2016 • Locations: United States of America • Topics: Release and Reentry

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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
can be more manageable when
you’re aware of services and
resources available to help.
This handbook contains 3 checklists:
• for before your release,
• just after you return home,
• and later, when you’re a bit more
settled in.
It also includes additional information in
specific areas where you may have questions
or be looking for tools available to you.
Be sure to review these lists, and discuss
them and questions you may have with your
Case Manager, Bureau Social Worker, or
Reentry Affairs Coordinator.

Reentry can be a complicated
process – others have felt the
same way. But many of them
were able to overcome this and
have succeeded in finding work,
supporting themselves and their
families, and more. We want
you to achieve the same.
You are a member of your community, and
we want to help you transition home and
succeed. If you have any questions, don’t
hesitate to call the Bureau of Prisons
Reentry Hotline (toll-free) at
1-877-895-9196.
2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that
helps people find the local resources they
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
THIS GUIDE?
n CHECKLIST #1:

CHECKLIST #1:
THINGS TO DO
BEFORE YOUR RELEASE
1

Things to do Before Your Release.............. 3
4

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n CHECKLIST #2:
8
7
Things to do Immediately After
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Your Return...................................................* 6
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n CHECKLIST #3:

Things to do to Rebuild............................... 9

• Managing Your Money............................... 11
• Getting Support.......................................... 15
• Taking Care of Your Physical
and Mental Health...................................... 21
• Building Your Skills..................................... 25
• Finding a Job.............................................. 27
• Seeking Legal Assistance.......................... 31
• Rebuilding Your Relationships.................. 35
• Know Who to Contact................................ 38

TIMELINE: Start this at least 8 weeks
before you leave.

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n Get your identification documents.
Talk with your Case Manager or Reentry
Affairs Coordinator about this, because
they can help you.
1

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• You can get a6 social security card or a
5
4
replacement
card for free from the Social
9
8
7 Administration.
Security
If you do not get
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your card before
you leave prison, the appli*
cation and other information can be found at
https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber
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• Birth certificates can be ordered while you
are in prison from the state where you were
born. If you do not get your birth certificate
before you leave prison, this website shows
you where to write for vital records for each
state and territory:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm

n Get proof of your GED / high school

completion, or any other classes you
took while in prison.

• If you got your GED while in prison, make
sure you have your transcript before you are
released. The Bureau does not keep or give
GED transcripts post-release.
• If you can, create a folder with everything
positive you have done while in prison,
including certificates for vocational training,
drug treatment, anger management or any
other cognitive behavioral therapy.

n Get your medical records.
Ask Health Services about getting copies
of your medical records while you are still in
prison to help you transition to treatment in
the community.

n Confirm your housing.
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.

n Find out about any outstanding fees,
fines, debts, or warrants.

Speak to your Case Manager about how
to find out if you have any outstanding fees,
fines, warrants or debts. These can limit your
ability to obtain employment, housing, or
even lead to arrest. If you have outstanding
child support payments, failing to manage
this before your release could prevent you
from getting a driver’s license.

n Are you a veteran? If yes, make sure
you have your military discharge
papers.

You can do this either online (after your
release) or by mail. If you choose to do by
mail, check with your Case Manager to
see if they can give you the paper form.
Instructions and forms for both online and by
mail can be found at http://www.archives.
gov/veterans/military-service-records/

CHECKLIST #2:
THINGS TO DO IMMEDIATELY
AFTER YOUR RETURN

n Get a photo ID.
You can obtain one through your local
Department of Motor Vehicles. To find your
local Department of Motor Vehicles, and know
what documents to bring (probably your birth
certificate and/or social security card), visit
www.usa.gov/motor-vehicle-services

TIMELINE: Do these in your first week
of reentry.
If you are transitioning through a Residential
Reentry Center, staff at the center will be able
to assist you with some of the items on this
checklist.

n Find somewhere to access the
internet.

n Sign-up for Health Insurance.

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n Create an email address.
Many websites (for example www.gmail.com
or www.yahoo.com) allow you to set-up a
free email account. To make it simple and
professional, use your first name and last
name, or some combination of your initials.
Write it down:

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Most public libraries offer free internet
access (although photo identification may be
*
required) and library staff can help you. Most
Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) also
have internet services.

____________________________________
(ex. johndoe@gmail.com)

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The Affordable Care Act has created free or
low-cost health care coverage options and
improved access to health care services.

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• If you need low-cost health insurance, go to
the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.
healthcare.gov.) The website helps individuals find and sign up for health care coverage
and those who qualify can also sign up for
Medicaid. Upon release, you have a 60-day
special enrollment period to sign up.
• You can also call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY:
1-855-889-4325) 24/7 if you don’t have a
computer or need help. The phone line is
closed Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
• Are you a veteran? If yes, you may qualify
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/
veterans.asp
7

n Are you under age 26?
If yes, confirm your selective service status.
Your status may be required by employers or
for student loans.
• Call toll-free 1-888-655-1825
• Young men in prison do not have to register
while they are committed. However, they
must register within 30 days after being
released if they have not yet reached their
26th birthday.

n Get proof of your GED / high school
completion

• If you earned your high school diploma
before you were in prison, you can get a
copy from the Department of Education for
the state where you attended high school.
Contact information can be found at:
www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/. GED
certificates can be requested from the state’s
GED Administrator where you took the
test: www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/
ged-testing-administrator.

CHECKLIST #3:
THINGS TO DO TO REBUILD
TIMELINE: Do these in your first month
of reentry.

n Take control of your finances.
To qualify for certain benefits, you will need
to understand your current debts, bills, and
other payments. Having a bank account and
using free tools can help you manage this.
See the “Managing Your Money”
section on
3
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1
page 11.
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programs
and
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community organizations
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Once you understand your finances, apply for
benefit programs that can help you get food
and other necessities. Community organizations are also ready to help. See the “Getting
Support” section on page 15.

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.

n Continue your education.
There are many ways to build your skills and
qualify for better jobs. See the “Building Your
Skills” section on page 25.

n Begin your job search.
See the “Finding a Job” section on page 27.

n If you need legal assistance, connect
with organizations that do this for free.
Many non-profits exist to support you if you
experience discrimination or other injustice.
To better understand your rights, reach out to
one of these organizations. See the “Seeking
Legal Assistance” section on page 31.

n Focus on re-building your relationships.
Reconnecting with loved ones and having
them support your transition can be
incredibly empowering. However, it will take
time and patience. See the “Rebuilding
Relationships” section on page 35.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Setting Up a Bank Account
Having a bank account with a debit card will really
help to organize your finances. To learn more about
3
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how to select a checking account
is right for
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you, check out the Consumer
Financial
Protection
5
4
Bureau’s (CFPB) resource on this:
http://www.
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consumerfinance.gov/blog/guides-to-help-you#
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open-and-manage-your-checking-account/
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Most banks will require the following information to
open an account:
• Identification: A valid, government-issued
photo ID.
• Personal information details: Name, date
of birth, address, phone number, and Social
Security number.
• Money: Cash, a check, a money order, or
funds you can electronically transfer into the
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

Asking General Questions
CFPB also has a frequently-asked questions
section, where people can learn important
financial information. Questions like the following
are answered at:
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/
• My employer says I have to have direct
deposit. Everywhere I go, the banks and
credit unions seem to charge fees. How can I
find the right account for me?
• My credit report has information that’s not
accurate. How can I fix it?
• Should I borrow money from my credit card
or take out a small loan to cover my bills until
my next paycheck?
Another government website that provides tools
and guidance to managing your money is:
www.MyMoney.gov

Filing Taxes and Getting Credits
If you do obtain a job, you may be eligible for a
refundable tax credit (the Earned-Income Tax
Credit – EITC) that encourages work and makes
up for other taxes, such as payroll taxes. Millions
of working families and individuals qualify for
EITC; however, you must file a tax return.

• For free tax preparation assistance:
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
• To estimate the value of your EITC credit:
http://www.cbpp.org/research/
federal-tax/policy-basics-the-earnedincome-tax-credit

Managing Payments
Child Support: As mentioned in Checklist #1,
managing your child support requirements is
incredibly important. If you have a child support
order, you may be able to apply for a modification from the court to have your child support
order reduced to reflect a lack of earnings or low
earnings. You may also be eligible to participate
in programs that may help you find a job,
reinstate your driver’s license, offer parenting
education, or help reduce the amount of child
support debt you owe. Legal Aid offices may
be able to help with legal representation in child
support cases.
• The contact information for Child Support
offices in each state, and some tribes, can
be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/css/resource/state-and-tribalchild-support-agency-contacts

• A state-by-state guide for how to apply
for a modification of a child support order
can be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/
programs/css/state-by-state-how-tochange-a-child-support-order
• This guide on Changing a Child Support
Order has more information: www.acf.hhs.
gov/sites/default/files/programs/css/
changing_a_child_support_order.pdf

Student Loan Debt
Having a student loan in default also prevents
the release of a new student loan, harming your
ability to continue your education. If you’re not
sure about your student loans, verify your
loan status.
1. Call the Department of Education at (800)
621-3115 or check the National Student Loan
Data System website (www.nslds.ed.gov) to
make sure there is no loan for you on file.
2. If you have a loan in default, there are
several options available to you, including
Income-Driven Repayment plans, to help you
manage this. You can learn more and connect
with someone that can help you think about
this at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
repay-loans

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GETTING SUPPORT
Navigating Assistance Programs
Programs that are available are outlined in this
section. However, navigating these one at a time
can be complicated. Reach out to Community
Organizations that can help you identify and
apply for programs that are right for you.
• United Way: United Way agencies are
non-profit organizations offering services to
individuals and families in need. Many United
Way agencies give housing assistance or
referrals to supportive housing, nursing homes,
and other residential programs in your area. In
most communities, United Way agencies can
be reached by dialing 2-1-1 or by going to:
www.unitedway.org/find-your-united-way/
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army has a
network of shelters and programs across the
nation. When available, they may be able to
give lodging, clothing, food, and a cash grant
for the first 90 days after you are released from
RRC placement. You can find more information
about the Salvation Army on their website at:
www.salvationarmy.org
• Goodwill Industries International, Inc.:
Goodwill helps individuals and families with
education, skills training, and job placement
services, as well as helps with supporting
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services such as transportation, housing, and
clothing. You can find out about Goodwill services
in your area by going to: www.goodwill.org

Are you a veteran?
A variety of benefits are available to individuals
who have served in the United States military.
For more information go to:
www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/ and for housing
support, call 1-877-424-3838.

Income Assistance Programs
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
(TANF): The Department of Health and Human
Services gives employment services and cash
assistance to low-income families. To learn eligibility criteria and how to apply in your state, go to:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/help
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Provides money to low-income individuals
who are either age 65 or older, blind, or
disabled. For more information go to:
www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
Provides income to people with physical or
mental problems that are severe enough to
prevent them from working. Information can be
found at: www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/

• Unemployment Insurance (UI): Unemployment Insurance provides temporary financial
help to workers who are unemployed through
no fault of their own. Eligibility, as well as the
amount and length of benefits, are determined
by each state. Usually, you will have to have
been employed for some time before you can
collect UI. More information can be found at:
http://www.careeronestop.org/ReEmployment/
UnemploymentBenefits/am-i-eligible.aspx

Food Assistance Programs
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP): The Department of Agriculture gives
nutrition assistance to eligible low-income
individuals and families. In order to receive
benefits, families must meet certain financial
and non-financial criteria. (Note: If you are
receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF), you are automatically eligible.)
To learn eligibility criteria and how to apply in
your state, go to:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply
Note: A federal law prohibits anyone convicted
of a drug felony from receiving SNAP or TANF;
however, most states have limited or eliminated
that ban. For more information on your eligibility, see: www.pewtrusts.org/en/researchand-analysis/blogs/stateline/2015/07/30/
states-rethink-restrictions-on-food-stampswelfare-for-drug-felons
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• Emergency Food Assistance Program
(TEFAP): Each state sets requirements to
determine who is eligible to receive free food.
More information, including how to apply, is
found at: www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/
eligibility-and-how-apply
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program
(CSFP): The U.S. Department of Agriculture
also purchases food and makes it available to
CSFP agencies in each state for low-income
people at least 60 years of age. More information can be found at: www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/
eligibility-how-apply

Housing Assistance
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) provides low-cost housing
assistance to those who qualify. These programs
generally are managed by local government
agencies.
• You can get help finding local housing and
shelters by calling 1-800-569-4287 or going
to: http://resources.hud.gov/ and clicking on
“Find Homeless Services Near Me.”
• If you are not able to secure housing through
a program or through family or friends, you
may wish to contact a “Continuum of Care”
who may be able to provide you with short- or
long-term assistance. To find a Continuum of

Care (CoC) in your area, go to: https://www.
hudexchange.info/programs/coc/ and click
on “Contact a CoC” to search.
Note: Some local housing authorities restrict
access to housing for those with a criminal
conviction, but many will consider any rehabilitative programming you have received (such as
RDAP) and your family support system in their
decision.

Transportation Assistance
Getting to medical appointments, job interviews,
or other important meetings can be difficult if
you don’t have a car. Public transportation is
usually the most inexpensive option, and each
city and state has their own programs to help
with the cost of public transportation. Your local
community organization can help you navigate
this. Additionally, here are some other options:
• Rural Transit Assistance Programs: These
help the millions of Americans that live in
cities of less than 50,000 people. To contact
and learn more about transportation support
in your state, go to: http://nationalrtap.org/
findanything/Appendices/State-RTAP-5311Websites and click on the RTAP and/or 5311
site for your state.
• Public Transportation and Mass Transit:
Check your city for bus, subway, light railway,
or regional railway express options. Public
19

transit schedules are always available for free
online. Special assistance such as reduced
fares or services for the elderly and disabled
exist as well, but you’ll need to check locally
for details.
• Walking/Bicycling: If you can, plan to live
within walking or bicycling distance to work,
shopping, and your family. To learn more
about biking laws, safety tips, and other best
practices about biking, check out:
http://bikeleague.org/ridesmart
• Ridesharing/Carpools: Carpools can save
you money in commuting expenses. Some
carpools pick up riders at their homes, meet at
a place everyone agrees on, or in a commuter
lot. If you want to learn more about options
available in your state, a quick search online
will help you find sites like: http://www.
rideshare-directory.com/ that have different
message boards and ways to connect with
others interested.
• Taxi Cabs: Typically, cabs are a convenient
form of transportation; however, they can
also be the most expensive. If you have a
smartphone and services are available in your
area, transportation applications (for example:
“LyftLine,” “UberX,” and “UberPool”) offer
lower-cost options. You can learn more about
these services, and the costs, on their websites.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
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Maintaining
Your Physical Health
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Once you have health insurance, you will be able
to go to any health care provider who accepts
your health insurance plan. Finding a primary
care provider is the best way to manage your
health instead of going to the Emergency Room or
Urgent Care – it will save you money and time and
increase the likelihood of staying healthy.
You may be referred to specialty doctors for
specific health concerns. Visit these providers as
soon as possible. You should also get your vision
checked at least once a year, and your teeth
cleaned once every six months to help prevent
more serious problems in the future.
If you need health care right away, you
can find a community clinic here:
http://www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Are you a veteran?
You can find your nearest VA medical center
here: http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/
division_flsh.asp?dnum=1

Using Mental Health Services
Adjusting to life outside of prison can be difficult at
times; you may find yourself feeling discouraged

or depressed. Many people – millions of Americans, in fact – experience some kind of mental
health challenge, whether it is depression, anxiety,
or some form of addiction. You should feel
comfortable asking any questions you have about
your mental health with your primary care provider
– and know that checkups and services for these
are covered by most insurance companies as any
other health service.
• Additionally, you can find free or low-cost mental
health services available in your area on the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA) website: https://
findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ or by calling the
National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP/4357
(TDD: 1-800-487-4889).
• No matter what problems you are dealing with,
there is a reason to keep on living. By calling
1-800-273-TALK (8255) at any time, you will
be connected to a counselor at a crisis center
in your area. You can also visit the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline website at:
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Keeping Up with Drug Treatment Services
Many people who are returning to the community
have a history of abusing substances like alcohol
and illegal or prescription drugs. You may have
participated in treatment while incarcerated, and
it is important to maintain a drug-free lifestyle
after release.
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Ask your Drug Abuse Program Coordinator or
Community Treatment Services Provider if he
or she can help you find a treatment or support
program before your release. If you have a
supervised release plan, your Probation Officer
may be able to arrange for you to participate in a
substance abuse treatment program.
• Most communities have self-help support
groups. Local Alcoholics Anonymous and
Narcotics Anonymous meetings can be
found here:
- www.aa.org/pages/en_US/find-local-aa
- www.na.org/meetingsearch/
• You can find a drug treatment facility by visiting
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA) website
at https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
or by calling the National Helpline
(1-800-662-HELP/4357; 1-800-487-4889 TDD)
• The following organizations may be able to help
you find other support and treatment resources
in your local area:
- National Drug Information Treatment and
Referral Hotline: 1-(800)-662-HELP
- National Mental Health Association: (703)
684-7722 voice, (800) 969-6642 info line
- National Health Information Center:
(800) 336-4797
23

- National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information (NCADI): 1-(800)-729-6686

BUILDING YOUR SKILLS

- National Mental Health Knowledge Exchange
Network (KEN): 1-(800)-789-2647

Having an education is important because
it increases employment options. There are
many ways to further your education upon release.

- American Council on Alcoholism:
(703) 248-9005

Forgot to get your medical records
before your release?
You’ll need to send a letter to the Federal Bureau
of Prisons.
The letter must specifically describe the records
you want and provide the following: full name,
register number, birthdate, where you were born,
and the address where you want your records
to be mailed. To protect your privacy, the letter
must either be notarized (you will need to have a
notary public sign the letter) or you must include a
signed Form DOJ-361, Certification of Identity.
The form can be found at: http://www.bop.gov/
foia/DOJ361.pdf. Notaries are commonly found
at banks, city halls and county courthouses.
Mail this letter to:
FOIA/PA Section
Office of General Counsel, Room 924
Federal Bureau of Prisons
320 First Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20534

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Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs are
for individuals who want to improve in reading,
writing, math, listening, and speaking. ABE
programs are offered at adult schools, career
centers, libraries, or community colleges for free
or for a small fee.
If you do not have a high school diploma or
GED, you should enroll in a GED program as
soon as possible after release. The GED test
allows adults who have not completed high
school to show they have the knowledge and
skills associated with a high school diploma.
Many community colleges offer programs that
allow you to earn a GED and college credits at
the same time.
• You can find GED test preparation classes near
you at: www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/
locate-a-prep-center or by calling the toll-free
number 1-800-MY-GED (1-800-626-9433).
If you have a high school diploma or GED
and want to further your education, there are
resources available to help you with the cost
of college. Community colleges are a common
option for individuals returning home from
prison. The low cost of tuition and the variety
25

of programs offered make these colleges an
ideal starting place. By enrolling in a community
college, you can earn an Associate’s degree and
then transfer to a four-year college or university
to earn a Bachelor’s degree.

FINDING A JOB

• The Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) is the starting point for accessing
all federal student financial aid. You can find
FAFSA online at: http://www.fafsa.gov or you
can request a paper copy from
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

1. Make sure your background information is
3 companies do screenings that
accurate.
Many
2
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6
may include
criminal
record information.
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• Federal student aid information can be found
at: http://www.StudentLoans.gov
Vocational programs provide you with skills
required for a particular job. They are also
referred to as occupational, votech, or career
and technical education programs. Vocational
programs are available through community and
technical colleges, as well as trade schools, and
they take less time to complete than academic
college degree programs.
• You can apply at the local employment office,
as a “displaced worker,” for Department of
Labor Second Chance Act funds if you want
to learn a vocational trade.

Are you a veteran?
You may qualify for education benefits:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp
26

Being prepared will improve your
chances of finding a job.
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• In the “Employment
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2. Outline steps for your job hunt by visiting
the Department of Labor’s “Career One Stop”
at: www.careeronestop.org
• On this site, you can do everything from find
trainings, resume guides, interview tips, to
search job databases.
3. Create an “application package” by putting
together a draft resume and collect the items
you put together during Checklist #1 (certificates, activities you completed in prison, and
letters of recommendation.)
4. Get some feedback on your resume and
application package from someone who is
trained to help individuals search, prepare for,
and apply to jobs.
27

• Call 2-1-1, or connect with other Community
Organizations listed in the “Getting Support”
section and ask about employment services.

6. Prepare for your interview by following tips
at http://www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/
Interview/interview-and-negotiate.aspx.

• Search for a local American Job Center:
http://www.careeronestop.org/localhelp/
americanjobcenters/find-american
-job-centers.aspx to meet with an employment counselor.

Some of the basics include:

• Look up your state’s resources through
the National HIRE Network. They have
organizations in your state that help people
with criminal records find employment:
www.hirenetwork.org/
5. Search for jobs online at:
www.careeronestop.org/JobSearch/
findjobs/find-jobs.aspx, but also connect
with your local job center or employment
assistance organization to learn more about
tools that they have to find jobs.
• Many sites online list companies that have
programs in which they hire individuals with
conviction histories.

• Have a list of your strengths and be ready
to talk about them. What are you good at?
What type of work do you enjoy? What experience or skills can you offer an employer?
• Think about how you will answer questions
about your record.
• Look at common interview questions: www.
careeronestop.org/JobSearch/Interview/
common-interview-questions.aspx.
• Make sure you are clean and welldressed. A local community organization
can help you with this.
• Be on time. Several days before, plan how
you will travel to your interview and what
time you will need to leave in order to arrive a
few minutes early.

• 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-andlocal-guide/ for more information.

Do not be discouraged if it takes a while to

get a job. If potential employers express concern
about hiring people with a criminal record, you
can tell potential employers about two programs
that offer insurance to employers who hire
someone with a record:
• Federal Bonding Program – Any organization
(public or private, nonprofit or profit) providing
job placement services to ex-offenders can
purchase a bond package to protect the
employer against employee theft when they
hire at-risk job applicants. Call 1-800-233-2258
or go to www.bonds4jobs.com
• Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR).
If you worked for UNICOR, potential employers
should contact UNICOR for information
regarding the Federal Bonding Program by
calling (202) 305-3800. The program protects
employers against theft. More information can
be found at: www.unicor.gov

Are you a veteran?
The following resources are available:
- http://www.va.gov/homeless/employment
_programs.asp
- http://www.dol.gov/vets/

SEEKING
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
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You may qualify for free legal *help (called “legal
aid”) for civil legal problems that affect your daily
life. Getting help in these areas can help you get
back on your feet more quickly.
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How can legal aid help?
Legal aid providers – lawyers, staff and volunteers
– provide free legal help in many ways. Legal aid
providers can help you figure out your legal need,
and can give you advice on your legal options.
They can also prepare a court or benefit form for
you, and represent you in court.

Do you have a “civil legal problem”?
Here are some examples of the most common
civil legal problems that many people face as they
leave prison and that legal aid can help you with:
• Getting state-issued photo identification, birth
certificate, social security card, etc.
• Getting a driver’s license
• State and federal benefits, including benefits
related to food (SNAP), cash (TANF), and
disability (SSI)
• Getting veteran’s benefits
• Immigration issues

• Housing issues, including affordable housing,
safe housing and avoiding eviction
• Health care access, including Medicaid,
Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act
• Safety issues, including domestic violence,
harassment, child abuse and neglect

Who should I contact?

• Family issues, including custody, child
support, guardianship and divorce

The following websites will help you find legal
aid providers by the city, county, zip code and/
or legal issue.

• Expunging or sealing your criminal record

• http://www.lawhelp.org/find-help

• Getting an employment or occupational
license

• www.lsc.gov/what-legal-aid/find-legal-aid

• Dealing with unpaid tickets, court fines or
fees and outstanding warrants

The American Bar Association (ABA) has a list
of legal aid providers who work on reentry issues.

• Debt collection issues

More information can be found at:
www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/
administrative/probono_public_service/
lsc_reentry_projects.authcheckdam.pdf

• Criminal record-based employment
discrimination
Under laws enforced by federal and/or state
agencies employers must not treat anyone,
including people with criminal records, differently
based on their race, national origin, or another
reason protected by law.
• For a simple overview of your rights as you
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-forWorkers-Conviction-Arrest-HistoriesKnow-Your-Rights.pdf
32

• If you believe you may have experienced
illegal discrimination, you can file a charge
with the EEOC: http://www.eeoc.gov/
employees/howtofile.cfm

• www.hirenetwork.org/clearinghouse

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has
a list of legal organizations that focus on Indian
law or serve Native American communities.
Go to: www.narf.org/nill/resources/lawyer.
html for more information.

What else should I be thinking about?
Find out if you have the right to vote in your
state, and if there is anything you need to do to
restore your right to vote: www.nonprofitvote.
org/voting-as-an-ex-offender/
• If you are able to do so, register to vote:
https://vote.usa.gov
Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from
possessing firearms or ammunition. In addition to physically holding or having a firearm or
ammunition on you, “possession” also includes a
firearm or ammunition that you have knowledge
of, and control over, in an automobile or a home.
Possession of a firearm or ammunition can result
in new federal charges.
• Some states have also enacted additional
restrictions on weapons such as tasers, stun
guns, and crossbows. You should check
with your probation officer or local law
enforcement agency before you come into
possession of any type of weapon.

Are you a veteran?
The Veterans Administration has a list of legal
organizations and providers that work with
veterans and active duty service members:
http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/division
_flsh.asp?dnum=1

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REBUILDING
YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
For most people reentering their community, it
will take some time to get used to life back at
home. You may not feel comfortable right away.
You and your family and friends will have to make
some changes.
Your family members will have attempted to
adapt to everyday routines without you there,
and may have learned to do things around the
house (budgeting, grocery shopping, car repair,
and other household chores) that you used to do.
It is important to talk to your family about how
you are feeling and decide how to take care of
these things now that you are home.
Here are some other suggestions that can help:
• Begin by appreciating the small things
others take for granted – such as privacy, being
able to come and go as you please, planning
your meals, and more.
• Avoid talking about life in prison as your only
conversation topic. Practice making “small
talk” about daily events instead.
• It will be difficult to catch up on everything that
happened while you were away. Be patient
with yourself, and your family and friends.

• Understand that things will take time, for
both you and those around you, and that even
small steps are important.

Trust takes time to rebuild. As your family

learns to trust you, they will do so more and
more and you will begin to feel more comfortable
within your family again. Since you were in
prison, a divorce or child custody proceeding
may have happened and changed your family as
you once knew it.
• Show your loved ones that you understand
you may have hurt them, and allow them to
share painful memories with you.

• If you are asked about your incarceration,
answer questions honestly. You do not need
to tell them it was “no big deal” or act “tough.”
Let them know being in prison is no way to
spend your life.
Helpful resources about rebuilding relationships
with family are available from the National
Resource Center for Children and Families of the
Incarcerated: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.
edu/. The Resource Center also has a directory
of programs specifically designed to help
children who have had a parent in prison or jail.

• Children may have become used to living
without their mom or dad. They may not understand 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.

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If you have general questions or need help
getting your personal records:

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• Bureau of Prisons Hotline
Call 1-877-895-9196 or visit http://www.
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If you are unsure about federal policies that affect
people who have been incarcerated, such as
not being eligible for certain benefits, not being
allowed to live in certain places, or you think
you’ve experienced other discrimination:
• Reentry Myth Busters
Visit www.csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/
projects/mythbusters/

If you need free and confidential help obtaining
food, housing, health care, employment, counseling 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

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