How to Develop Support Groups for Ex-Offenders
Ex-offenders oftentimes face many challenges in the process of reintegrating into society. Support groups of different types prove beneficial to these people as they make the transition from incarceration to the community at large. And in helping ex-offenders, those who establish support groups benefit the general public as well.
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Instructions
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Determine which type or types of support groups for ex-offenders fall within your own professional skill set. Typical support groups for ex-offenders include those relating to employment, substance abuse, mental health issues, education, community integration, interpersonal relationships and parenting.
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Research resources for ex-offender support groups that presently exist in your community. Find out in what areas ex-offenders are underserved.
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Obtain grant applications from state, federal and private funding sources that provide underwriting assistance to support groups for ex-offenders. Typically, a support group can be started for less than $2,000. A good place to begin is the COPS Office at the U.S. Department of Justice.
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Engage professionals in the area in which you develop a support group. For example, if your objective is to create a support group for ex-offenders with a history of substance abuse, you need to connect with a drug and alcohol counselor.
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Contract for a location or facility at which you can conduct support group meetings and other activities. The two primary objectives are to ensure that such a facility is conveniently located and that it has the capacity to handle the needs of a support group.
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