In a previous issue of Under Lock & Key we ran a proposal for a program called Freedom Brothers, and asked the author about the effectiveness of the Prerelease program in NYS prisons. His response follows.
Some of the resource programs Prerelease teaches no longer exist but if it does exist, when that parolee or ex-con finally do go to them asking for help, they don't get that immediate help they are asking for. In some cases they are put on a long waiting list, forcing that ex-con to do whatever. On average, most inmates will not remember everything that Prerelease teaches. It would be luck if an inmate remembers half of what Prerelease teaches even if that inmate really needs that program...
The information that Prerelease gives again is good, but how good is it? Prerelease needs to find a program to teach about that will fully understand that we are prisoners who just got out of prison and we need help NOW, not in 2 weeks or 3 days.
I do feel that a lot of prisoners do try to pay attention to what is being taught, but Prerelease can not get you fully prepared for that rush you will feel in the head the day the gate opens. It is at that moment that most inmates put in their mind that they would like to leave jail behind, and mentally they do, along with everything else. It is from this point on that inmates need help from someone on the outside. Read the enclosed letter. It will show you how I am helping an ex-prisoner who I've never seen... I don't do this to get paid. I do it to help shut down this place.
Anyway, MIM, I still stand by the plan I gave you... CA and NY needs a program just like that.
--a New York Prisoner, December 2003
MIM responds: We are working now to build these networks of released and incarcerated prisoners so that support is available as soon as comrades get out. Please send your ideas and resources to help build this project.