Rehabilitation for Prisoners

Re “A Return to the Goal of Reforming Inmates,” June 1:

As a so-called ex-con I can’t wait for the flood of letters condemning those who would try and help inmates before their release. I beat the odds of returning to prison almost eight years ago. But I will tell you, the day of my release I was given $100 (Feds) and told by the very counselor and case manager who was supposed to help, “See you back in prison in six months.” Great send-off, right?

For all of you who fear criminals, I say you created the problem. When you spend more on prisons than schools, you have major problems. When you think for some stupid reason that prisoners are living in luxury and society should crack down and take away education, rehab, work programs and being given a chance to make it, then you have created a monster who will bite when released.

Education is the key. Educate and the odds go down that kids will commit crimes. And educate those inside so they can find a ray of hope once offenders are released.

I am now a screenwriter with two movies in the works. I spent time for unarmed bank robbery and other assorted crimes years ago. I am a Vietnam vet and ex-drunk.

THOMAS YOUNG

Culver City

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The concept of reforming inmates is welcomed if the seeds are truly being sown. Making a positive impact in the correctional system is the main reason my husband entered the Youth Authority, believing that the juvenile population could be most successfully reformed and impacted. I experienced, secondhand, the unfortunate reality that appropriate staffing and resources must be dedicated and funding appropriated to make reform possible.

Today in many facilities, understaffing is the norm and at best results in rampant overtime and involuntary double shifts, all costing the taxpayers plenty but not providing much in terms of counseling or rehabilitation of the youthful offenders. Normally, each ward would have an assigned youth counselor who is responsible for counseling a group of 12 to 17 wards. As understaffing occurs, there is no assigned counselor to handle the cases and the emphasis changes to security and safety, not rehabilitation.

NANCY O. GONZALEZ

Hacienda Heights