Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2025

Department

Faculty of Education

Department

Faculty of Education

Abstract

Decolonizing re-entry programs require rethinking traditional approaches in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and challenging colonial and deficit frameworks embedded in the criminal legal system, which often has an exclusive focus on punishment. This article names the risk factors and systemic barriers faced by equity-denied individuals during reintegration with a focus on the Canadian context. Two community-led programs in Ontario are highlighted as innovative case studies for effectively supporting reintegration of individuals exiting carceral institutions. Key characteristics of these programs which are offered by the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics, and Character Education (YAAACE) and Walls to Bridges (W2B) are outlined. Implications are discussed for enhancing effective community re-entry with a focus on amplifying the transformative impact of peer-led, trauma-informed programs that capitalize on the lived and living experiences of criminalized individuals. A series of recommendations are outlined regarding the importance of integrating Indigenous and Africentric knowledge systems and offering more programs and services rooted in trauma-informed approaches. These strategies would mitigate the unique challenges faced by Indigenous, Black, and other equity-denied identities who are disproportionately incarcerated.

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