From Eyes On The Law: Mythbusting Reentry

As part of LINC, Inc.’s observance of North Carolina Second Chance Month, Eyes on the Law has prepared a short “Mythbusting Reentry” question and answer series. Test your own awareness of the facts surrounding reentry, and participate in mythbusting with us.

Question One

True or False: The reentry process starts as soon as a person is released.

Question Two

Are individuals with legal histories automatically barred from most employment opportunities? Select one answer:

A. No, but they are extremely limited to only having options in specific service fields and are subjected to automatic background checks.
B. No, an individual is not barred from any employment opportunities but may face stigma and rejection from non-Second Chance employers due to their legal history, and background checks are only given when consented for by both employee and employer.
C. No, but individuals are limited to only applying for jobs that are specifically Second Chance employment opportunities and are still subject to background checks with given consent.
D. No, individuals can apply for any jobs with the exception of working for state or federal agencies, and are subjected to background checks with given consent.

Question Three

Do incarcerated individuals lose the ability to receive Social Security or VA benefits?

A. Yes, once incarcerated, eligibility for these benefits ceases and cannot be reinstated.
B. Yes, but benefits can be regained 30 days after release as long as they are not reincarcerated.
C. No, once released all benefits can be reinstated without a waiting period and SSA benefits can be reinstated without filing a new claim.
D. No, but the benefits are conditional once they are released and the individual has a 30-day waiting period upon their release.

Question Four

What is one common myth YOU have heard about justice-involvement or justice-involved individuals, and how did you bust that myth for yourself?

For this question, please feel free to share your own experiences and stories, and keep the myth and the fact true. Be creative, think about myths that have permeated your own life, and share how you were able to come from a place of fact instead of perpetuating this myth.

COMMENT BELOW with your answer.