At age 48, Hunter Arias has had anything but a "normal" life. Now that he is out of prison, he doesn't know what to do with himself. It seems that around Hunter's 30th birthday, all of the medications he was taking stopped working - if only for what seemed like a few minutes - but it was enough time for him to fly into a rage and assault a grocery store clerk. The injuries were serious enough that the individual spent several weeks in intensive care, and Hunter was charged with a felony. In spite of his difficulties, he spent several years behind bars.
Life in prison was hell for Hunter. His parents came to visit him often, but that fact did little to challenge the agony of being locked up. Hunter couldn't stand it. He had several bouts of depression while in prison and attempted suicide twice.
Hunter was released to his parents, and they still care for him as they continue to grow older. It is becoming more and more difficult for them as they have developed health difficulties. Hunter spends most of his time alone in the house surfing the Internet and has developed a fondness for the Civil War.
* What percentage of people in prison also meet criteria for some kind of mental illness?
* What resources are there in Harrisonburg for individuals trying to transition from being incarcerated to living a "normal" life?
* What happens when someone is convicted of a felony once they are finished serving their time? Are they able to get a job anywhere?
* Describe the typical developmental milestones for middle adulthood.
According to the Bursar of Justice Statistics, it is found on table 2 that 56.2% of individuals within a state prison have some sort of mental health problem. This data is from 2006, but is the most recent that we could find.
ReplyDeleteUS Department of Justice. (2006). Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates. Retrieved from http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/mhppji.pdf
When looking through the Harrisonburg- Rockingham Chamber of Commerce for different resources for individuals who are transitioning from prison life back to a normal life we found the Gemeinshaft Home, this treatment philosophy is based on a Therapeutic Community model. They get the individuals involved in community-oriented events, to help them transition back to a free society. This method is used to show mutual self-help to the individual, lets them participate in work as education and therapy, their peers are seen to them as role models as they work through the therapy process. While individuals take part in this method of transition, they are learning ways to cope when being back out into the real world. They are learning techniques as to how to deal with certain situations that may have caused an outburst in the past, etc. There were also other reentry programs in VA, this was one of the few that we found in Harrisonburg and after reading about a few we decided this particular resource would benefit Hunter the best.
ReplyDeleteHarrisonburg- Rockingham Chamber of Commerce. Workforce Development Resource Guide. Retrieved from http://www.hrchamber.org/v.php?pg=243
Life after prison is difficult enough with the stigma that will be placed on you, however, that would not be Hunter’s only problem. Hunter will have difficulty finding a job as well as attempting to live a normal life after prison, along with his disability. Although it will be difficult, it will not be impossible. There are in fact professions that simply do not offer jobs to individuals with felony convictions (jobs that require specific licenses). They are also not allowed to be a part of the Armed forces. Overall individuals with criminal records have a reputation of poor morals and decision making skills. This is another reason why having a felony may limit their ability to get a job. However, despite all of this, there is a way in which criminals may re- enter the work force. This is through an expungement, which according to Sattarova is defined as “the sealing or obliterating of a rehabilitated individual’s criminal record”. The criminal must prove with evidence that they are eligible and ready to re-enter the work place and be a functioning member of society. The felon (Hunter) must contact an attorney that is specialized in clearing records. This could become pricey, but well worth it to Hunter. Although it may be difficult, time consuming and tedious, clearing Hunter’s record may be the most beneficial thing he could do for himself.
ReplyDeleteThe law firm of Higbee and Associates (2011). Finding a job after prison. Retrieved from http://www.recordgone.com/articles/jobs-for-felons.htm
According to Erik Erikson, work is most crucial during the middle adulthood stage. Erikson stated that middle-age is when we tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and issues surrounding family. Middle adulthood is when one is expected to be “in charge” as well. Typically, their children are leaving or have left the nest as well and one forms a closer relationship to their spouse.
ReplyDeleteThe Development Stages of Erik Erikson (2009). Retrieved from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stages/organize/Erikson.htm
Questions from Group 6
ReplyDelete1. What do Hunter's parents plan on doing with him when they can no longer take care of him? Are there living facilities to help Hunter's conditions?
2. Does Hunter attend any therapy instead of just spending his time alone?