Campus Connection

Reentry simulation highlights hurdles for formerly incarcerated individuals

One in 48 individuals in the U.S. are under some form of correctional supervision and nearly 2 million are confined in prisons or jails, notes Lisa Kruse, associate professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice. 

Many UW-La Crosse students, regardless of their future career paths, will inevitably interact with individuals who have previously been incarcerated, especially in the context of the ongoing fentanyl and methamphetamine epidemics, she adds. 

UWL students, along with faculty and staff, had the chance to confront some of the realities faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration during a The Department of Corrections  reentry simulation on campus Monday, Oct. 7. Participants engaged in activities that simulated the first four weeks of reentry, shedding light on the myriad barriers and challenges that offenders encounter as they transition from prison to community life. 

UWL Freshman Ben Drost, a microbiology major, plans to pursue a health-related career, and said the simulation helped him better empathize with what some of his future patients might be going through. 

“I feel that our society is often quick to judge formerly incarcerated individuals; however, this experience has opened my eyes to just how much works against those who seek reentry into society,” says Drost. “While I still can’t begin to comprehend all that these people endure, I have gained a beneficial perspective that helps me better understand some of the hurdles they face.” 

Drost recounts how throughout the simulation experience, he and peers were challenged to complete an overwhelming number of tasks such as managing struggling financial situations, obtaining transportation to attend mandatory check-ins and tests, accessing affordable housing, and obtaining food – all while the threat of being reincarcerated loomed.    

“There were several instances in which I found myself back in jail as a result of my inability to complete basic, necessary tasks,” he says. “...It felt that everything was working against me. I cannot begin to imagine how much more difficult this process must be for people who so often struggle with histories of trauma and mental health issues or who may lack ties to strong support systems.” 

More than 90% of incarcerated individuals will eventually reenter society. About 75% of those released will find themselves back in prison within five years. Understanding the difficulties of reentering society is essential for addressing these issues, explains Kruse.

“This knowledge can inform legislative advocacy, improve reentry support, and guide realistic recommendations for individuals as they navigate reintegration with the help of doctors, social workers, therapists, family, and friends," she says.