: A criminal record often acts as a permanent brand. Many report being excluded from 95% of job opportunities, leading to "worst-case" manual labor jobs.
Despite the obstacles, many individuals successfully pivot to new careers and advocacy roles. Ex-Con
: Long-term prisoners often develop "prison habits" that are hard to break, such as eating with an arm around their plate to protect food or sitting with their back to a wall. : A criminal record often acts as a permanent brand
: For those away for decades, the world can feel unrecognizable. Basic tasks like using a smartphone or navigating modern public transit can be overwhelming. Major Barriers to Rebuilding Ex-Con