IntroductionAs a felon released from New Jersey State Prison, it is imperative to understand how every action I take from now on will determine whether or not I take the path most traveled by released prisoners; this path can be simplified into a staggering statistic: "Thirty percent of returned prisoners are rearrested within the first 6 months of reentry, 44% are rearrested within a year of release, and 67.5% are arrested again within 3 years” (Luther et al, 2011, p. 476). In this essay, I will evaluate the problems I will face, how I will attempt to address them, and the overall quality of life I should expect during the first year after my release. Basic IssuesPerhaps the most important aspect of successful reintegration into society is establishing a strong, healthy foundation: family, friends, income and housing. Without a solid foundation, it becomes extremely easy to slip through the cracks again. Without a stable home with friends and family, I would have to move to live temporarily with someone willing to take me in. Without a source of income, I will be led to do what I consider easiest, which is to get involved in the same criminal activity that landed me in prison in the first place. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as just creating a foundation. The criminal justice system claims that its goals are retribution, deterrence, incapacitation and rehabilitation. (Cole, Reiseg, & Petrosino, 2014). However, in the eyes of a prisoner who has just been released from prison, the only goal that remotely resembles the difficulties of reintegration that await him is incapacity. Plan During the first month after my release, my goal is to establishing that......paper......this is me both financially and emotionally. As I try to repair my relationship with my family, I will tirelessly try to stay on top of everything I do, in my efforts to accomplish more than I already have. Conclusion The common belief in society is that the criminal justice system punishes criminals by putting them in prison. But it's not a punishment. In prison I get free meals, free medical care, free housing, and the process of applying for a “job” is as simple as listening to what the prison guards tell you. The real punishment is reinstatement; it's a test for all inmates that simply asks one question: "Are you capable of being a functioning member of society despite the fact that you now have challenges to overcome?" I am confident that if I follow my plan and lay a foundation for myself, I will be able to overcome any difficulties I may face..