State must do better job with former prisoners

by Jessica Garvin

Continuing our conversation of public safety studies from last week, the Senate Public Safety Committee recently held another study that I found particularly interesting and wanted to share with the district. It looked at some of the problems offenders struggle with once they’re released—the two biggest of which are finding a job and a place to live. Without a source of income and a home of their own, offenders often have to depend on staying with friends or family, which may put them back into their old life of crime. It’s important that offenders are able to start a new independent life away from their previous circle to avoid falling back into criminal activities.

One of the major findings of this study is that Oklahoma needs more employers willing to hire former offenders, especially those with nonviolent felonies. These make up a majority of our prison system, and, again, without a reliable job, it’s easy to want to slip back into a life of crime. However, when given a chance, so many are able to turn their lives around.

The owner of the Fenix Group Construction Company in North Tulsa and former offender, David Collins, shared his inspirational story. Throughout his incarceration, he dreamed of starting his own construction company, and because he was given a second chance and people supported him, he was able to fulfill his dream and now employs 30 people. He wants to help other former inmates by not only employing them but doing something similar to the Habitat for Humanity model to provide housing for them. 

Housing is the second greatest issue facing those leaving prison. It can be hard to qualify for housing with a felony and also not having a job history to show income. Our state needs to find ways to provide additional housing for these individuals so they can successfully re-enter society.

The committee heard from other past offenders who spoke to the fact that having to restart one’s life after prison is scarier than being incarcerated. Imagine being an adult who has been out of society and the workforce for years, on top of the embarrassment or shame of being a former offender and having to just jump back into the world.

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is well aware of these challenges and wants to make sure that these men and women have all the tools necessary to successfully re-enter society and start their new life. The J.H. Lilley Correctional Center (JLCC) in Boley, Oklahoma, shared about their resource fair that brings in several community partners who provide various services, including assistance finding employment, housing, and mental health services, among other things. 

There are also nonprofits working to lower Oklahoma’s incarceration rate like Tulsa’s 1st Step Male Diversion Program. This program diverts prison bound offenders into a treatment program where they’re taught necessary life skills, learn a trade or skill, receive career guidance and other services to be successful in life and avoid reoffending. From 2017-2020, the program had a 92% success rate, helping lower the state’s prison population, reducing recidivism, and saving Oklahoma taxpayers $3.3 million.

Oklahoma must do better at helping those leaving prison. If these individuals don’t receive help with housing, employment, and other much-needed services upon release, it’s very likely they’ll return to a life of crime. If that is the only life they’ve known, how would they know any better unless they are given guidance?

As with all the interim studies, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your voice in the Oklahoma Senate.

If I can be of assistance, please write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at Jessica.Garvin@oksenate.gov or call (405) 521-5522.