WORC Re-Entry Simulation

The Reentry Simulation simulates the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who are transitioning from incarceration back into society.

The goal of this simulation is for participants to gain an understanding of the significant obstacles faced by men and women attempting to navigate the system upon their release from incarceration and returning home to their communities. To walk in the shoes of one who is returning home gives invaluable insight for professionals who are tasked with helping those individuals achieve a successful reentry.

Over the course of about 1 and 1/2 hours participants experience the first month of post-release life. Each participant assumes the identity of an ex-offender and receives a packet of materials, including a “Life Card.” The “Life Card” explains the reentrant’s criminal background, current living situation, current job situation, and the specific weekly tasks that must be accomplished in order to avoid the risk of being sent back to prison for non-compliance with the requirements of his or her supervised release. The simulation begins with an explanation and instructions from the facilitator and the reentrants then set out to try and navigate their new lives. Each week takes place in a 15 minute segment.

This simulation gives us visibility into the perspectives of the returning citizens who we are tasked to help. Our aim is to represent a realistic landscape of what these individuals face when coming home. By experiencing these complex obstacles and barriers that these individuals must navigate, we not only gain visibility into the individuals perspectives but also discover innovative ways to help these individuals succeed. The simulation is applicable to all businesses and human resource professionals who are interested in learning more about second chance hiring.