How does someone adapt to life outside of prison after being locked up more than 20 years?

revisiting old places, getting familiar with the area they live in, talking to more people, getting updated on fashion, tech, government, major events and stuff watching movies from every year. Many ways those are just some

The probably act as if their seeing the world for the first time. Some prisoners when released ask their friends and family what they’ve missed in life, so I would think they would ask alot of questions and do alot of looking around.

A lot of prisoners who have served long sentences like that usually end up right back in prison. It’s hard for them to get jobs with their record. It’s not easy to adjust to a new life. If you live in a growing city, think about how much it has changed in the past five years. Even big cities change dramatically in just a few years. Everything that they knew, loved, and looked forward to seeing again, is not the same as it was. Prison, something that they had to consider home, starts looking easier and easier to deal with. If you know someone who is in that situation now, just be there for them. Let them know that things will get better, and suggest that they get into therapy if the prison people don’t automatically set that up for them.

There are places called “halfway houses,” where they’re allowed to stay. They’re given meals, clothing for job interviews, and are encouraged to find work and, eventually, homes of their own. They do the same for the homeless.

if u was thare for 20 its ganna take about 20 years for u to adapt to living in real world

Hello. Congratulations on your release, and if this response is not for you directly, then I hope it helps your friend or loved one. First, I would say that you need to break your routine. Make it a point to do things WHEN YOU WANT TO, i.e., get out of bed when you like, take a bath when you like, go for a walk when you like, go to a mall when you like, etc. The idea is to reclaim your independence and control of YOUR life. Next, get a job. Easier said than done, I know, but if it comes down to volunteering….DO IT. At least you will set yourself up to be viewed as a person who is willing, and there’s a lot to be said for that characteristic. Look to a church, shelter, nonprofit organization for work/help. You’ll gain job and people skills, and the position may turn into something permanent, or put you in a position to network with others so that people have you in mind when other work opportunities come up. I’m not underestimating the need for money, not by a long shot, but somethings are a means to an end. We ALL have to go through this, criminal record or not, but for you, this route may be necessary to get to where you want to go (a better job, school, et). Next, use your resources. Check out your local One Stop Career Center, and your local unemployment office. Also, I don’t know if you have a probation officer or some law enforcement or social work source, but seek them for counseling. I’m not a doctor, but I can only imagine that the prison experience is traumatic, and no one is a above help when a traumatic experience has occurred in their lives. This counseling may come from a social worker, church, or community support group (even if it’s online). Either way get the help, and don’t isolate yourself and get all depressed about your life being given back to you (this goes back to my first point about doing things to reclaim your independence)! Above all, stay positive. Do not let the NO’s get the best of you. All you need is one YES, but the only way to get there is to press on.

Good luck

Oh…Victorian Tea Party….If you don’t have help or an answer (as the Tea Party rarely does) leave it to the people who have something to contribute.