Life before and after prison is usually not the same for an ex-convict. The transition from life in incarceration to a life of freedom can be quite challenging. If you have a family member freed in the recent past, you may need to be there for them and have an understanding attitude towards them. But you may wonder, “How can I help my family member to undergo the transition successfully?” The following tips might guide you.
Cope With the Rejection
Stigma is expended on ex-convicts and their families. In some cases, friends, employers, and individual family members refuse to be associated with you. But, in the end, you need to be prepared to live with it. On most occasions, the feelings of rejection are worse on the previously jailed family member. Therefore, you may need to remind them that they need to go easy on themselves from time to time.
Encourage Your Loved One to Have Closure
The first step to healing is accepting the past and working on improving the future. After being released, your loved one can consult a criminal defense attorney and seek advice on whether the conviction can be expunged, sealed, or set aside by the judiciary. If it is possible, the family member can start working towards the same. Such clearances are vital as they can help one get a qualification certificate for employment.
Deal With Any Anger Issues
In prison, anger and aggression are commonplace. Often, it is the only way inmates deal with issues. Upon release, a loved one may be trapped in the same defensive attitude. To avoid angry outbursts, you need to seek a mediator in serious conflicts. Additionally, you can encourage your loved one to attend anger management therapy sessions.
Beware of Depression
Dealing with a loved one who is suffering can be traumatizing. In most cases, ex-convicts get depressed because of the culture shock and feelings of unacceptance. When this happens, you and your loved one may need to seek psychological help. A therapist can guide you and your family member on the best ways to fight obstacles and win.
Regardless of what happened in the past, family members will always be part of us. After being incarcerated for a crime, an ex-convict may desire to get back on the right track and lead a normal life. However, in some cases, such a transition can be challenging for them. As a family member, you may need to be there for the loved one. We hope that the above tips will help you learn to live with them.