Supporting the Digital Aspects of Reentry for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

For formerly incarcerated individuals, reintegrating into society and learning to use digital tools for everyday tasks is essential. While reentry nonprofit programs provide social support, there is limited research on the specific strategies they use to help formerly incarcerated individuals overcome digital challenges associated with adjusting to life after prison. To address this gap, we conducted semi-structured interviews with eight nonprofit employees to understand how they support returning citizens in the digital aspects of reentry. Our research revealed that practicing self-reflection, being present, improvised teaching, and leveraging offline networks are important strategies used by these organizations. Our findings offer fresh perspectives on how these organizations aid formerly incarcerated individuals in their digital reentry process.