Leaving prison is not simply returning to society; it is also returning to relationships.
Family connection is often what separates an individual feeling grounded with a sense of purpose from one being alone, and therefore, motivated to move forward in life rather than existing solely in survival mode.
Technology is seen by Rebooted as a useful tool to establish connections and build the stability required for successful reentry into society.
While employment, housing, and education are important components of reintegration, there is a deeper component to reintegration: a sense of belonging.
The transition can seem overwhelming when these types of ties are absent or broken. The "digital divide" can become a relationship gap. Communication within families impacted by prison often has been disrupted due to distance, cost, stigma, and time.
Then the individual is released...and the world has moved on.
Many aspects of family life today rely heavily on digital channels, including:
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Email and messaging applications
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Video conferencing
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School updates and parent portals
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Group messaging and shared calendars
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Forms for obtaining benefits, medical care, and housing
Individuals without a device and some level of digital proficiency may find themselves becoming the individual who cannot participate in group conversations, cannot complete online forms, and therefore cannot respond on time to others. This type of exclusion can lead to feelings of separation and eventual marginalisation.
Why Connection Supports Long-Term Change
Connection does not just provide a means to achieve a stable existence; it is necessary for creating the foundation upon which a stable existence will exist.
1. Connection Makes Learning and Routine More Manageable
With a means to communicate, ask questions, receive reminders, etc., individuals are more likely to maintain consistency with:
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Online courses and job searching
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Attending scheduled appointments
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Maintaining responsibility
2. Connection Reduces Isolation
One of the largest obstacles individuals face post-release is isolation. Having the ability to contact others, whether it be via a simple message, can disrupt patterns of anxiety, shame, and hopelessness.
3. Connection Helps Rebuild Trust Over Time
Trust is built in small, consistent acts such as showing up on time, following through, communicating consistently andd being available to connect.
A laptop will never repair damaged relationships. However, it can eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in the small, consistent acts of trust-building behaviors.
How a Laptop Can Assist Families Reconnect
A functional and secure device can facilitate reconnection in several ways:
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Supporting ongoing communication via email and video conferencing
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Facilitating children's education (online homework assignments, educational materials, school communications)
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Supporting the development of digital skills that decrease stress and increase independence
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Enabling access to support services without reliance on another person's phone and/or time
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For many individuals, this is the first opportunity they have had to manage personal affairs independently, in private, and according to their own schedule.
What Rebooted is Doing
Rebooted provides laptops and digital learning opportunities for individuals transitioning out of incarceration and their families, supporting the continued education, self-confidence, and social connections of prison leavers.
Rebooted works with support personnel to identify potential participants and then prepares and secures the device(s) to ensure functionality before delivery.
How You Can Help?
As an individual, you can:
1. Share Rebooted's mission with your contacts/network
2. Recommend companies to us that may have retired devices
3. Contribute financially to support our work through donation campaigns
As a Business, you can:
Donate used laptops or sponsor the preparation of devices (the cost of wiping and/or the installation of a Google licence
Want to Get Involved? Contact us at hello@rebooted.me.
Final Thought
Reentry into society can be a long and difficult journey; however, when an individual has established a connection to the people that are most important to them, the journey can be less challenging.
Family connections are not an additional aspect of the reintegration process; they are foundational elements to the success of the process.
The use of simple tools, a laptop, a means to learn, and a means to communicate with others can help to establish a solid foundation for rebuilding connections, one step at a time.