After years of working terrible prison jobs, Darius Jackson had saved $100 for when he finally got out. But, days before his release, his account was mysteriously emptied down to $30!
Which meant, after years of preparation, Darius was completely screwed.
Back in 1974, incarcerated folks like Darius actually had more financial help with re-entering society. In fact, “gate money,” or money provided for necessities upon release, used to be the equivalent of $1,200 in states like California. Now it’s only $200!
And in some states, it’s nothing.
So, with $30 and a bus ticket to his name, Darius could only afford travel back into town and a McDonald’s meal. He didn’t have enough left for a nearby re-entry shelter. He heard that how you spend the first 72 hours of freedom predicts whether or not you end up back in the system.
He wanted to avoid that fate, but here he was. Why?
Darius’ prison had emptied his account without warning to pay “restitution” fees. Some other prisons exchange cash for debit cards, requiring people released to pay hefty card fees. He just couldn’t catch a break.
If prison is supposed to rehabilitate people, and set them up to re-enter society, it's failing. This system clearly doesn't care about rehabilitation – it wants us to get locked right back up.