The Hidden Costs of Incarceration

Abstract

People who have been incarcerated face many obstacles, many of which are not immediately clear to those who do not have experience with the justice system. In addition to direct consequences such as loss of housing and employment due to being in jail or prison, there are many additional repercussions which have been referred to as “collateral” or “indirect” consequences. These consequences, which may seem relatively insignificant when considered individually, have an additive effect on the incarcerated individual and their loved ones which hinders transition back into society. When considering the goals of the justice system, regardless of whether an emphasis is placed on punishment or rehabilitation, there is a vested interest for society as a whole to make reintegration as simple as possible. These hidden costs, which will be discussed in this submission, hinder this reintegration for those who have been incarcerated, which reinforces the cycle of incarceration through increasing recidivism and stigma against those who have been incarcerated. This submission aims to show the importance of lessening stigma against those who have been incarcerated and lowering institutional barriers to reentry. In this study, Interviews were conducted with residents and staff members of Dismas House of Indiana, Inc. in order to explore the barriers that they have faced through incarceration. Many hidden costs of incarceration were discussed for both the individual and their loved ones and for the state. Costs and fees associated with phone calls, visitation, laundry, hygiene products, and other goods purchased from commissary at a markup make up a significant financial burden for an inmate and their families. Even after release, loss of belongings as well as fees associated with home detention and work release programs can be significant as well. Aside from direct financial impacts, incarceration has collateral consequences on mental health, as well as impeded access to healthcare, jobs, transportation, and housing.