Reentry challenges that ex-prisoners face seems most likely to contribute to increased offending rather than desistance

The Vicious Cycle: An ex-prisoner, upon release, needs legitimate income to survive. When legally required to disclose a felony conviction, they face near-universal rejection, often codified as "collateral consequences." This results in long periods of unemployment or work in the unstable, low-wage, informal economy.

Strain Theory: This exclusion creates significant economic and psychological strain. Lacking legal means to meet basic needs, the individual faces immense pressure, making a return to criminal activities—which offer immediate, albeit risky, economic relief—a rational choice under duress. This directly undermines the goal of desistance (the process of ceasing criminal activity).

✅ Challenges Most Amenable to Policy Intervention

Two major challenges stand out as most directly treatable through targeted policy interventions:

1. Employment Barriers (Focused on "Ban the Box" and Tax Incentives)

Policy Intervention: Restricting Inquiry into Criminal History

The Policy: Implementing and strengthening "Ban the Box" policies that remove the conviction history question from initial job applications (specifically for private employers, going beyond public sector requirements). Furthermore, implementing Certificates of Relief from Disability or similar measures that legally shield employers from liability when hiring individuals with past convictions.

Sample Answer

The reentry challenge that seems most likely to contribute to increased offending is employment discrimination and economic exclusion.

The challenges most amenable to policy intervention in ways that would improve outcomes are employment barriers and housing restrictions.

🛑 Reentry Challenge Leading to Increased Offending

The most critical challenge contributing to increased offending rather than desistance is lack of stable, living-wage employment stemming from systemic discrimination.