Are you an ex-felon desperately trying to rebuild your life after a felony conviction? You are not alone. With more than 2 million people incarcerated in the United States, statistics show that within three years of release, 67.8% of ex-offenders are rearrested, and within five years, 76.6% are rearrested. It is evident that the struggle to start over is a very real problem that many ex-offenders face. Here we will discuss some practical tips and strategies for rebuilding your life from the ground up, so that you may overcome these obstacles and live a productive, successful life. Let’s get started!
Ways to Get Your Life Back After a Felony Conviction
1. Staying Positive in the Face of Adversity
Staying positive in the face of adversity is easier said than done, especially when rebuilding your life after prison. Although many feel overwhelmed and discouraged by the prospect of starting over, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and outlook.
Keeping a healthy mindset helps to boost motivation and focus on the future. It might help to set smaller goals that you can easily achieve, such as getting a job or enrolling in school. By doing so, you can create an achievable timeline for yourself and see progress along the way. Additionally, find an activity or hobby that brings you joy and encourages you to stay positive in difficult times. Whether it’s playing sports, reading books, or writing a blog, having something that you are passionate about can help make all the difference in your outlook of life.
2. Understanding Your Rights
Understanding your rights is essential to rebuilding life after being convicted of a felony. It is important to be aware of the rights and privileges you may have lost due to your conviction and those that you may still retain.
Knowing what rights are legally in place allows ex-felons to make informed decisions about job, housing, and educational opportunities. Additionally, understanding your rights can help you understand the implications of any legalities related to your conviction, such as parole, probation, or Expungement.
With this knowledge, you can better advocate for yourself during interactions with government agencies and other organizations. Ultimately, by understanding rights and restrictions, you who have been convicted of felonies can better comprehend your opportunities for successful reintegration into society following your release from prison.
3. Understanding Reentry Barriers and Resources
Understanding the barriers and resources available when rebuilding your life is vital to success. These barriers can range from finding employment and housing to overcoming negative stigmas associated with ex-felons. Additionally, resources such as educational programs, career counseling services, job training initiatives, and support groups can be invaluable in helping you, an ex-felon, get back on your feet. Understanding the potential barriers and resources at your disposal is essential to make an informed decision about how best to move forward with your life.
4. Hire an Expungement Attorney
Expunging your criminal record is one of the most important steps for your new life after a felony. Expungement is when an arrest or conviction is removed from a person’s criminal record and can give you a fresh start. Depending on where you live, there may be various requirements and restrictions regarding expungement. It is essential to research the laws in your area and contact a qualified attorney who can help you understand the legal process for expunging your record. Once expunged, those records will not show up in background checks or other searches, which can make it easier for ex-felons to find employment, housing, and other opportunities.
5. Seeking Financial Assistance For Ex-felons
Seeking financial assistance for felons can be a daunting task. Many employers may not be willing to hire you due to your criminal history, and access to traditional loans may also be limited. However, some resources are available to help you get back on your feet. Government grants and scholarships can provide a financial boost when needed, while nonprofits like The Fortune Society offer assistance with job placement and housing. You might also qualify for public benefits or loan forgiveness programs. It is important to research these options thoroughly before applying to have the best chance of success.
6. Gaining Employment After a Felony
Applying for a job after a felony conviction can be difficult as many employers are apprehensive about hiring people with criminal records. However, there are certain steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a job.
Make sure your resume is up-to-date and includes any positive accomplishments or skills you have acquired since your conviction. Additionally, network with people who work in the industries of interest, as this may help get your foot in the door.
Furthermore, consider volunteering for an organization related to the field of work you seek; this will provide potential employers with evidence that you are genuinely interested in that line of work. Finally, never give up on finding gainful employment; perseverance pays off, and plenty of ex-felons have successfully rebuilt their lives and careers since their conviction.
7. Consider Your Business
Starting a business is often a great way for ex-felons to rebuild their lives. Consider the skills and knowledge you have and what type of business you could start that would work with your unique circumstances. For example, if you lack the capital to launch a traditional brick-and-mortar business, there are plenty of online businesses you can start with relatively little money. From selling handmade goods on Etsy to offering services on Fiverr or Upwork, there are numerous creative ways to make an income.
Additionally, depending on where you live, there may also be grant programs and other forms of financial assistance available specifically for felons looking to start their own businesses. Whatever path you choose, starting your own business can be an excellent way to break away from the stigma associated with being an ex-felon and establish yourself as a successful entrepreneur. Do your research to explore what options may be available to you to get started on the path toward your second-life success.
8. Establishing Positive Social Connections
It is crucial to cultivate relationships with individuals who can provide encouragement, support, and advice. Consider joining local community groups or taking part in volunteer activities in order to meet people with similar interests and goals. Additionally, building a network of contacts through networking events and professional associations can be a great way to make connections and build trust with potential employers. Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to family members or old friends who may be able to provide emotional or financial assistance during the rebuilding process.
9. Developing Life Skills
This can include learning how to manage stress and emotions, developing problem-solving skills, improving communication skills, and learning how to set and achieve goals. It’s important to remember that these skills are learned over time and require practice to become proficient. A great way to start is by taking classes or attending workshops that help individuals hone their existing skills while also introducing them to new ones. Additionally, talking with a therapist or counselor can provide invaluable guidance in developing these types of life skills.
10. Exploring Educational Opportunities for Reentry Success
There are a variety of programs and resources available to ex-offenders that can help them reach their academic and professional goals. Having an education not only opens the door to employment but to other career advancement opportunities as well. By taking advantage of these resources and pursuing higher education, former felons can gain the skills needed for successful reentry into society.
Furthermore, some employers may even be willing to provide job training or apprenticeships for those with criminal backgrounds who demonstrate a solid commitment to improving themselves. Ultimately, exploring educational opportunities can be an invaluable asset in helping ex-offenders successfully rebuild their lives.
11. Creating Goals and Setting Priorities
These are an essential part of the rebuilding process. While it can be hard to stay motivated, having a plan for your future will help you stay on track. Start by developing a list of achievable goals that you want to accomplish in the near and distant future. For each goal, make sure to break it down into smaller tasks that can be completed over time. Additionally, prioritize your goals based on their importance and urgency, as this will help you focus your energy on what matters most. Of course, don’t forget to reward yourself once you have achieved a goal, not just with material rewards, but also with emotional ones like feeling proud of yourself for taking steps towards improving your life.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember after you have been convicted of a felony is that your life isn’t over. By staying positive, understanding your rights, and using available resources, you can rebuild your life and become a contributing member of society again. It will take time and dedication, but with the right attitude and support system, it is possible to regain control of your circumstances and create an even brighter future. Remember to take things one step at a time, set goals for yourself, and strive to achieve them each day. With enough effort, you can live an even better life than before, no matter what the past may have held.
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