Re-entering the community
Re-entering the community after jail time is no easy task. After being released, young people often struggle to find a place in society and require critical services and supports. They may benefit from programs and local resources to help rebuild family relationships, reintegrate into school and access public benefits, housing and employment. See below for important support services for reformed juvenile offenders as they move toward a life of stability.
Educational opportunities: After their release from incarceration, it is important for a young person to continue their education. Whether they re-enter public school, enroll in a high school equivalency program or pursue some form of vocational training, education completion helps to set the foundation for lifelong success.
Employment: It is important to get a good, stable job to promote financial freedom and self-reliance. Programs and resources are available in Stark County to help support young people in their search for employment.
Family & friends: After they are released from criminal custody, many young people return to troubled environments. Forming healthy relationships helps them to rebuild a sense of stability and repair damaged relationships.
Mental, emotional & physical health: For those dealing with mental health or medical issues, it is important to get the treatment required to aid in recovery. Free or low-cost health care options are available for individuals without insurance or steady incomes.
Substance use recovery: Many juvenile or young adult offenders struggle with drug and alcohol use. To support healing and recovery, it’s important to have ongoing treatment to address any underlying mental health or substance use issues.
References
4-H Youth Development
Hands-on activities to help youth between the ages of 5 and 19 develop lifelong learning skills.
AmeriCorps
National service programs helping to increase civic engagement and improve lives.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Mentoring program helping young people in Stark County to overcome obstacles and move toward more positive futures.
Boy Scouts
Supporting local young people as they develop responsibility, character, citizenship and physical fitness.
Girl Scouts
All-girl, girl-led and girl-friendly leadership-development program.
Pegasus Farm
Maximizing the potential of people with disabilities to become independent, well-rounded, self-confident individuals.
TomTod Ideas
Project launches, school-based partnerships and summer camps that empower middle school students to imagine the world as it could be and put those dreams into action.
YMCA of Central Stark County
Helping members of our community to make healthier choices for their mental and physical fitness.
Community Legal Aid
Online resource library for a wide range of legal topics.
Help for Parents
Find resources from TroubledTeens.com to support at-risk youth through many of life’s challenges.
The Juvenile Justice Resource Hub
Provides information about mental health, discrimination, reentry and more.
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction
Programs, education and support for those reentering the community after serving prison time.
Ohio Department of Youth Services
Programs, opportunities and support resources to encourage positive outcomes for youth offenders.
Stark County Legal Aid & Pro Bono Services
Find nearby resources for free or low-cost legal assistance.