Life on the outside

Published: Thursday, Jan. 3 2008 12:07 a.m. MST

Summary

Today: A lack of money forces most former inmates to live with drug dealers, people they met in jail or at seedy motels. As a result, the ex-cons face the same temptations that led to incarceration.

Friday: A new Utah County Jail program provides skills, resources and an apartment to former inmates who are considered homeless. The aim of the program is to stop the "revolving door" cycle of jail, release, more crimes and recommitment.

Saturday: Drug treatment is costly and often out of reach for ex-cons who are struggling to make ends meet. However, a new program provides free substance-abuse treatment for those who want to change their lives.

Sunday: More government programs won't solve a major housing issue faced by newly released felons: landlords torn between showing compassion to newly released felons and protecting themselves and current renters.

Comments

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