Out of Prison and Deep in Debt

[jeffrey]

The scope of the ex-offender debt problem is outlined in a new study commissioned by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance and produced by the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center. The study, “Repaying Debts,” describes cases of newly released inmates who have been greeted with as much as $25,000 in debt the moment they step outside the prison gate. That’s a lot to owe for most people, but it can be insurmountable for ex-offenders who often have no assets and whose poor educations and criminal records prevent them from landing well-paying jobs.

Out of Prison and Deep in Debt - New York Times

[simpleyme]

my brother is a felon and when ever he is released he receives a bill it is itemized full of odd charges just like a hospital bill ,50 dollar transport charge ,drug testing
I do not necasarily disagree that he should pay these things but he never will pay as he never pays anything
I have to think that it cost the state more to bill and try to collect than what they could get back from felons

[sweeps]

My opinion: After a convict has served his sentence, he should be able to live like a normal human being. An ex-con already starts off with a huge disadvantage. Is it fair to start him off $25K in the hole -- that's just going to push him to more crime probably.

[jIM_Ohio]

this might be a way for private companies to charge felons/ ex cons for things, then get a tax write off for the unpaid expenses.

[cptacek]

I think the child support should continue (I mean, the kids continue to eat even while Dad is in prison, right?), and when they get out, they should have to pay that...but they may need a bit of a grace period to get back on their feet. But they shouldn't be expected to pay for any of the actual prison expenses from when they are in prison.