Long Road Back: Ex-Offenders' Struggle for Acceptance

Making a powerful case for thoughtful programs aimed at reintroducing ex-felons into society, this documentary points out that the U.S. has the world's highest incarceration rate. Overcrowding accounts, in part, for the increasing number of offenders released from prison each year—two-thirds of whom wind up back behind bars. Long Road Back presents two case studies. For teenaged Jamie, housing and employment are major problems, compounded by clinical depression; lacking both an education and health insurance, she struggles to survive outside of prison. Klaus, whose business reversals led him to a series of bank robberies, has the advantage of schooling and financial resources, but he confronts obstacles in finding a job and in everyday transactions such as opening a bank account. Both need outside support from organizations such as the three profiled here: the RASE Project in Harrisburg, PA, which provides transitional living for 18 months after incarceration; the Atlanta Enterprise Center, with graduates like Yolanda, who works in a graphics shop and dreams of being self-employed; and Gemeinschaft Home in Virginia, which partners with Tyson Foods to provide employment opportunities. An epilogue presents a mixed picture: Jamie is still struggling, Klaus is rebounding after a technical parole violation, and Yolanda is thriving in her day job and operating her own business; meanwhile, Gemeinschaft has lost state funding. Offering both practical and humane ideas for confronting an important issue, this interesting documentary is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)