In my work for the Square One Project at the Justice Lab I was asked to evaluate what terms of belonging mean to different incarcerated individuals. I found the digital illustration the other day in an article from The Marshall Project. In this article, an individual described his experience with finding belonging in a program that allowed him to train dogs while incarcerated. This research on belonging also allowed me to explore what items those that are formerly incarcerated take with them upon their release. Thus, I was able to research how health care and personal finances can all impact the reentry and recidivism rates of those that are formerly incarcerated.
Over the last six weeks I have received the incredible opportunity to work with my fellow Laidlaws, Hanna and Kianna, to research flaws in the criminal justice system and in prisons. My time at the Justice Lab has strengthened my research skills and has enabled me to become more well-versed in topics surrounding narrative change and incarceration.
Sources: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2024/05/10/service-dogs-training-prison-essay