No question about it -- by almost any measure, America operates the world's largest, costliest, and most dysfunctional criminal justice ($250 billion) and incarceration ($80 billion) systems. With nearly 2.2 million prisoners in state and federal correctional institutions, another 10 million circulating in and out of jails and detention centers, and 77 million with arrest records, Americans boast more troubling rap sheets than promising resumes! Their criminal records present numerous barriers to re-entry success.

Indeed, each year nearly 700,000 ex-offenders exit prison for the free world. Within three years of release, two-thirds return to prison where they each cost taxpayers between $25,000 and $210,000 a year to experience questionable justice and retribution. Once released with a measly $200 in gate money and no housing, job, or re-entry/support plan, not surprisingly, ex-offenders are like fish out of the water -- most don't make it on the outside for long.

But help is on the way for surviving this criminal justice maze. Filled with powerful insights, advice, self-test, examples, and exercises that focus on both hope and action. The Ex-Offender's Re-Entry Success Guide is the ultimate guide for those who want to stay our for good and do something meaningful with their lives. This transition period is a time for self-renewal and transformation -- a unique time for ex-offenders to inject greater meaning and direction into their lives so they will never again waste their time and mind in a prison, jail, or detention center.

This book addresses the major challenges facing ex-offenders as they re-enter the free world. It outlines a clear seven-step process for re-entry success:

- Changing attitudes and motivations

- Developing a purpose in life

- Getting smarter through education

- Telling the truth about the new you

- Taking responsibility and building trust

- Seeking assistance for life-long recovery

- Leaving a legacy as a good friend, spouse, parent, and citizen

Highlights of this self-directed book include:

- a comprehensive 146-item re-entry success assessment text

- exercises for developing a purpose and legacy in life

- daily action-planning exercises to implement the seven steps

- a planning journal for keeping critical re-entry activities on track

- forms to help organize a budget and use community support systems

- powerful quotes and recommended resources for guiding one's life

Ronald L. Krannich, Ph.D., is one of today's leading career transition writers who has authored more than 100 books, including several self-help guides for ex-offenders: The Ex-Offender's New Job Finding and Survival Guide, The Ex-Offender's Re-Entry Assistance Directory, Best Resumes and Letters for Ex-Offenders, The Ex-Offender's Job Interview Guide, Best Jobs for Ex-Offenders, The Ex-Offender's Re-Entry Success Guide, The Ex-Offender's Quick Job Hunting Guide, The Ex-Offender's 30/30 Job Solution, 99 Days to Re-Entry Success Journal, The Re-Entry Employment and Life Skills Pocket Guide, The Re-Entry Start-Up Pocket Guide, The Anger Management Pocket Guide, The Re-Entry Personal Finance Pocket Guide, and Re-Imagining Life on the Outside Pocket Guide. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, Fulbright Scholar, university professor, and management trainer, Ron specializes in producing and distributing books, DVDs, training programs, and related materials on employment, career transition, addiction, anger management, criminal justice, and life skills.

CONTENTS

1 What's Your Re-Entry I.Q.?

2 Use Your Mind, Own Your Time

3 7 Steps to True Freedom

4 Step 1: Change Your Attitudes and Motivations

5 Step 2: Develop a Purpose in Your Life

6 Step 3: Get Smart Through Education, Training, and Life-Long Learning

7 Step 4: Tell the Truth About the New You

8 Step 5: Take Responsibility and Build Trust

9 Step 6: Seek Assistance for Life-Long Recovery

10 Step 7: Leave a Legacy as a Good Friend, Spouse, Parent, and Citizen

11 Action Planning for Re-Entry Success

12 Surviving and Prospering in a New Digital World