I believe those with drug-related felonies should not be prohibited from receiving student loans, food stamps, and other forms of benefits and assistance after they’ve completed their sentence; however, preconditioned requirements and policies should be established before the reinstatement of privileges. For example, if an individual is arrested for driving under the influence, he or should have to attend a drug/alcohol assessment and treatment class before their license a reinstated, in accordance with federal, state, or local laws (Reuters, 2017). If a parent was arrested for child abuse or neglect, one or both parents would have to attend parent education programs that will strengthen and enhance their parenting skills. Before the child …show more content…
A criminal’s past can obstruct his or her future; however, people who have been incarcerated have paid their debt to society and should be provided a fair chance to access resources that would help them reestablish their lives, support their families, and become productive in society (Legal Action Center, 2008). As drug-related felons previously demonstrated difficulties in adhering to their civil commitment of abiding by federal, state, and local laws, there is still a need to help provide individuals with resources and benefits once they have been released from local jails, as well as, state and federal prisons. People may experience a difficult time transitioning from incarceration to the community. Long sentences of jail time could cause a disconnection between the felony drug offender and society, causing the offender to readjust outside of the prison environment and adapting to cultural changes (Legal Action Center, 2008). Receiving student loans, food stamps, and other forms of benefits and assistance after they’ve completed their sentence would help drug-related felons to reestablish their lives, support their families, and be productive in society. I believe reinstating privileges to drug-related felons would help them feel hopeful instead of