The Problem

Men and women released from incarceration have trouble finding work and are usually employed in low-wage jobs that offer little opportunity for advancement. Poor labor market outcomes among released prisoners are often explained by low levels of schooling, a lack of work experience, and continuing criminal involvement. Poor labor market outcomes among released prisoners are often explained by low levels of schooling, a lack of work experience, and continuing criminal involvement. Through the effects of criminal stigma or eroded human capital during incarceration, serving time in prison has itself been found to reduce employment by as much as a third, and hourly wages by ten to twenty percent. Many employers won't hire felons, believing they are dishonest and likely to commit a crime on the job. They fear the public finding out they hire felons, damaging the company's reputation, and losing business. Another reason is to protect their company. For our economy to succeed, we need to equip every American to be effective in the national workforce. But the more than 600,000 people who leave prison every year are not getting the support they need. That fails them and fails the economy for all of us.

 

Formerly incarcerated people need stable jobs for the same reasons as everyone else: to support themselves and their loved ones, pursue life goals, and strengthen their communities. Our estimate of the unemployment rate establishes that formerly incarcerated people want to work but face structural barriers to securing employment, particularly within the period immediately following release. Over 600,000 people make the difficult transition from prisons to the community each year and although there are many challenges involved in the transition, the roadblocks to securing a job have particularly severe consequences. Employment helps formerly incarcerated people gain economic stability after release and reduces the likelihood that they return to prison, promoting greater public safety to the benefit of everyone. But despite the overwhelming benefits of employment, people who have been to prison are largely shut out of the labor market. We find that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated people is nearly five times higher than the unemployment rate for the general United States population and substantially higher than even the worst years of the Great Depression. Former inmates face numerous psychological challenges when released from prison, including stigma, discrimination, isolation, and instability. This can lead to devastating outcomes, like failed relationships, homelessness, substance misuse, recidivism, overdose, and suicide. Without a support system and the resources needed to reintegrate back into the community, recently released prisoners will experience harmful mental health effects. 

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The Solution 

Participants gain knowledge of self through use of The Four Types Of Interventions In
Group Music Therapy.

● promoting stimulation or relaxation.
● facilitating memory or reminiscence.
● developing auditory skills.
● enhancing mood and reducing anxiety.

Songwriting will facilitate the participants development through enabling emotional
stability, offering therapeutic benefits, and providing a vehicle for self-expression,
self-discovery, and overcoming challenges. Songwriting is a creative activity that helps
persons express a range of ideas and feelings.

Playing an instrument can help refocus bad energy into something positive and
enjoyable, which in turn can help alleviate stress. Reduced stress levels lead to slowing
down your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. Research shows that playing
and composing music can reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels.

Performance Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research
indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help
reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to
increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness.

Most importantly, participants can promote and celebrate in a positive way that they
contributed to an album featuring special celebrity guests for a good cause.

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Source: Good Therapy.org

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