TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Discrimination in the job market, and a lack of sufficient job training are two reasons why recidivism is a problem facing individuals who once served time behind bars.
According to the National Institute of Justice, within three years of release, two-thirds of released prisoners are arrested again.
The institute of justice also says recidivism can be prevented through rehabilitation.
But rehabilitation is usually followed by employment and the American Centre for Economic and Policy Research says criminal conviction can have a major effect on the ex-offenders prospects in the labor market.
Tackling the ex-con unemployment rate in the Capital City is no small task, but its a matter of great importance to officials like Mayor Andrew Gillum, who attended the grand opening of Ready4Work Tallahassee.
The new re-entry center is located on West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee and will become a venue for job placement and training.
The center's goal is to be a place where ex-offenders can find support in any job search.
The program is modeled after a nationally recognized re-entry program called Operation New Hope, which provides ex-offenders with the skills and support necessary to re-enter the community workforce as productive and responsible citizens.
