Returning Home in the Dark: A Discussion About the Needs of Returning….

Returning Home in the Dark: A Discussion About the Needs of Returning Citizens and the Challenges They Face

Suzanne Somerville, LCSW, Bureau Chief, Residential and Specialized Clinical Services, Arlington County, Adjunct Professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Shawn Buckner, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

Bianca Padilla, Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track Student, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC Campus

Historically underrepresented in literature, returning citizens form a vulnerable population that warrants concerns and considerations. As they are the focus of this session, this roundtable will discuss facts and ideas pertaining to the pre-release conditions, post-release issues and pandemic-related worries returning citizens may be experiencing. Variations in treatment planning across facilities will be discussed, in addition to the effects of overcrowding and understaffing. America’s shift from rehabilitation to limited restorative community efforts will be reviewed, as well as the consequential common issues experienced amongst returning citizens today. Present concerns including the pandemic will also be addressed, and thoughts will be explored to encourage ways we can assist those who have been released from incarceration. Research will provide the basis for discussion, but bright ideas and shared stories can bring this session to life and one step closer to helping those who are returning home.

Zoom Link