Getting the Runaround

Getting the RunaroundDiscover 'Getting the Runaround,' an insightful exploration into the struggles of prisoner reentry. This compelling book examines how returning citizens navigate the often convoluted 'institutional circuit' of parole offices, public assistance programs, rehabilitation facilities, shelters, and family courts. Authored by John M. Halushka, this transformative work is grounded in three years of ethnographic fieldwork and features 45 in depth interviews

Discover 'Getting the Runaround,' an insightful exploration into the struggles of prisoner reentry. This compelling book examines how returning citizens navigate the often convoluted 'institutional circuit' of parole offices, public assistance programs, rehabilitation facilities, shelters, and family courts. Authored by John M. Halushka, this transformative work is grounded in three years of ethnographic fieldwork and features 45 in-depth interviews with formerly incarcerated men reentering New York City. Delve into the complexities of the bureaucratic maze that, instead of facilitating reintegration into society, often imposes additional barriers that exacerbate material poverty and undermine citizenship rights. Halushka's argument sheds light on how the institutions meant to assist these individuals frequently extend state punishment through procedural frustrations. The narratives presented highlight the urgent need for policymakers and society to rethink reentry strategies, moving from an austerity-driven, compliance-focused model towards one that embraces social justice and true inclusion. Whether you are an advocate for criminal justice reform, an academic interested in sociology, or someone invested in understanding the reintegration journey, 'Getting the Runaround' is an essential read. Explore the connections between bureaucracy, poverty, and the struggle for dignity in a society that often marginalizes its most vulnerable members.