Former prisoner develops website, prisonersnetwork.com to reduce recidivism rates throughout America

May 18, 2011 - PRLog -- Riding on the wave of proven success, Gary Dimitris owner of Prisoners Network, has developed a website, prisonersnetwork.com, incorporating advance search engine technology that can specifically meet the needs of prisoners and ex-offenders during incarceration and after their release, with the hope of reducing recidivism rates. These services can be; education opportunities, to find basic need services, housing, job, and almost any need that a person has. The search engine capability is so advanced that even the federal government is taking an interest in it. With more than 48 states now using the classification system that is tied into the search engine, today it is now possible for this disenfranchised group to find help. “I believe that if we can get the word out to this population, they will use it, and it will help to reduce the high rate of recidivism we see in America today”.

Recidivism is a behavior that is created by repeating a negative act (usually criminal in nature) that causes a person to recommit that act over and over again. If a person is left to their own device, eventually that behavior causes them to become involved in the criminal justice system over and over, creating a revolving door effect to that particular offender and returning them back to prison. While there are many reasons for recidivism, it is known that these behaviors can be reduce and even eliminated if help is available to those who want to change. While factors that causes recidivism are complex, finding help to overcome these behaviors are not, if you know where to go. Overcoming disabling behaviors is a “no-brainer”, but it takes effort and time. This help usually comes from people who are close to the person affected, and from those who care about others in their community.

This phenomenon is creating such a national crisis that many state’s budget spend more on incarceration then they do on education.  

This technology and the type of system Prisoners Network is incorporating into their website is support by members of Congress, and instituted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This 2-1-1 call system now streamlines, and makes it possible to eliminate the “maze” caused by all the thousands of social agencies call centers located throughout America. This new technology simplifies, and coordinates the effort using just one 3 digit phone number. The 2-1-1 telephone number system can now help everyone and anyone, including offenders to easily locate and find the help that can change the offender’s behavior. While the national system was not design to just serve prisoners or offenders; it was design to serve everyone throughout the United States. Anyone can access this service, Prisoners Network is taking advantage of this technology and it’s capability to help find the services that prisoners and ex-offenders need to succeed as they try to re-enter society again.

The 2-1-1 system is very much like the 9-1-1 emergency system. When you call 911, you can expect help to come. Well, the 211 system was built around that same technology, is built around the same philosophy and is maintained by the same level of professions who are trained to assistance those in need. You know, when you call 911 help is coming because it is built around a system that is systematic and design to quickly assess a situation and provide the help that is needed. The national 2-1-1 call centers work in the same way…you call the 2-1-1 national helpline and you know help is on the way. It is systematically designed to assess the situation or need, monitor the progress and then follows up until the service is found, and the need is resolved

# # #

Prisoners Network is an online company that provides a prisoner locator, a pen pal service for both male and female profiles. In addition, you will find a forum where you can develop a special camaraderie with others. In our community forum, you can socialize, forge friendships, and discuss prison and prisoner issues. In addition, through the many directories, search features, and resource information we have on our web site, you can help your pen pal find educational opportunities, social services, employment referrals and so much more.

Prisoners Network is committed and dedicated to helping people in prison find meaningful relationships, develop purpose in their lives, and reduce the behaviors that can lead to recidivism.