WEST CHESTER, PA — In an effort to bridge the gap between incarceration and reintegration, West Chester University is set to host a Reentry Simulation on Tuesday, September 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Sykes Student Union Ballrooms. This initiative, organized by the Chester County Reentry Coalition in partnership with the university and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, aims to shed light on the hurdles faced by individuals reentering society after serving time in prison.
For many individuals leaving the prison system, the transition back into society is fraught with complexities. Without basic necessities such as housing, employment, or reliable transportation, recently paroled citizens often struggle to navigate a myriad of bureaucratic challenges. The Reentry Simulation seeks to provide participants with a firsthand understanding of these obstacles, with the ultimate goal of fostering empathy and promoting criminal justice reform.
During the simulation, participants will experience the first month of life post-incarceration. Armed with a “wallet” that outlines their fictional life circumstances and a “life card” listing weekly objectives, they will visit various stations representing real-world agencies, such as probation offices, social services, and potential employers. Each one-hour session is broken into 15-minute “weeks,” simulating the pressures of real-life decision-making and unforeseen setbacks.
Tara Easterling, a graduate of West Chester University’s criminal justice program and a current master’s student, sees the simulation as a crucial educational tool. “Reintegration into communities is a complex process, often shaped by a range of obstacles and circumstances,” Easterling notes. “The ultimate goal is to provide individuals with a genuine chance at success.”
Following the simulation, a panel discussion featuring individuals with lived experiences of incarceration will delve deeper into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the role of community support in reducing recidivism. The program is designed not just to illuminate the challenges of reentry but also to challenge societal stereotypes and biases that often hinder successful reintegration.
The Reentry Simulation at West Chester University represents a significant step towards enhancing community understanding of the reentry process. By engaging directly with these challenges, participants can gain a broader perspective on the importance of support systems and policy reform in aiding individuals’ transitions back into society. This initiative is part of a broader movement to promote fairness and opportunity within the criminal justice system, ensuring that all individuals have the resources necessary for a successful return to civilian life.
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