Reform. Resolve. Restart.
New study clarifies opportunities, barriers experienced by formerly incarcerated people in Michigan
Fresh insights into the experiences of formerly incarcerated people demonstrate the need for state-level policy changes and more robust community supports, according to a study released today by the Michigan Works! Association.
During a statewide survey and related focus groups, former prisoners re-entering society in Michigan told researchers about the most significant challenges they faced when using re-entry employment services.
“Time and again, we heard that livable wages, housing, childcare and transportation topped the list of obstacles,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “At the same time, there are gaps in the programs aimed at helping former prisoners manage their employment challenges. Through this research, we have developed a clear roadmap for change, so all Michigan residents can have opportunities to transform their lives for the better.”
With the support of this new research, the association is preparing a powerful “Reform, Resolve, Restart” agenda to help better support returning citizens in Michigan:
Improve housing access for individuals with criminal histories. The association supports the Fair Chance Access to Housing Act, HB 4878, which can open much-needed housing options.
Boost funding for the Automatic Expungement Portal. These dollars will help people with felony convictions track and verify the expungement of their records.
Transition Offender Success and other programs from the Michigan Department of Corrections to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. This change will help ensure workforce development is prioritized as part of the prisoner re-entry process.
Enhance funding for trauma-informed peer-to-peer re-entry programs. These programs are known to reduce recidivism and ensure overall success
“These four items form our central pillars for change,” Hundt said. “Of course, there is much more to be done within the Michigan Works! network and in communities statewide. We will continue to advance this dialogue and ensure all formerly incarcerated people can turn over fresh pages and begin their lives anew. Our goal is to answer their basic needs so they can turn away from their past crimes and begin to contribute to the communities we share.”
The Michigan Works! Association commissioned the report with the support of a $100k planning grant received from the Michigan Justice Fund in early 2023. Nation Outside, a major effort to organize justice-impacted voices with its origins in Michigan, was an early partner in the research.
"At Nation Outside, we firmly believe in the power of second chances. This research highlights the urgent need for enhanced support and systemic changes to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have access to meaningful employment opportunities,” said Ceilia Zavala, Nation Outside’s co-executive director. “By prioritizing workforce development and ensuring everyone has a fair shot at rebuilding their lives, we can help people not just survive but thrive in their communities. Together, we can create a more just and inclusive Michigan where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed."
Feedback from the research, which was supported by Lansing-based Public Policy Associates, will be used to engender purposeful improvements across the Michigan Works! network of agencies.
“We gained valuable recommendations that will help respond more effectively to this valuable population of workers,” Hundt said. “In fact, support for these changes must come from a variety of sectors. Public, private, non-profit, and faith-based communities in Michigan all have a role to play. It’s time for us to push up our sleeves and get started.”