Former Prisoner Develops Website (PrisonersNetwork.com) to Reduce Recidivism Rates Throughout America

Hughesville, PA, May 25, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Riding on the wave of proven success, Gary Dimitris, owner of Prisoners Network, has developed a website, prisonersnetwork.com, incorporating advanced 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, finding basic need services such as housing and a job, 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 already using the classification system that is tied into the search engine, 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,” says the founder of the website, who has been exactly where many ex-offenders find themselves today when being released from prison.

Recidivism is a behavior that is created by repeating a negative act (usually criminal in nature) over and over again. If people are left to their own device after release from prison, eventually that repetitive behavior causes them to become involved in the criminal justice system again, creating a revolving door effect and returning them back to prison. As stated by Gary, "This phenomenon is creating such a national crisis that many states spend more money on incarceration than they do on education."

While there are many reasons for recidivism, it is known that these behaviors can be reduced and even eliminated if help is available to those who want to change. This help usually comes from people who are close to the person affected, and from those who care about others in their community.

Even though the factors that cause recidivism are complex, finding help to overcome these behaviors is not, if you know where to go.

This technology and the type of system Prisoners Network is incorporating into their website is supported by members of Congress, and instituted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This so called “2-1-1 call system” now streamlines, and makes it possible to eliminate, the maze caused by all the thousands of social agency call centers located throughout America. The new technology simplifies, and coordinates the effort using just one 3 digit phone number. The 2-1-1 telephone number system can help everyone and anyone, including offenders who can now easily locate and find the help that can change their behavior. This national system was not designed to just serve prisoners or ex-offenders; it was designed to serve everyone throughout the United States. Anyone can access this service.

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. The 2-1-1 system was built around that same technology and philosophy and is maintained by the same level of professionals who are trained to assist those in need. You know that when you call 911 help is coming because it is built around a system that is designed 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 help is on the way. It is also systematically designed to assess the situation or need, to monitor the progress and then follows up until the service is found, and the need is resolved.

On their crusade to reduce recidivism, Prisoners Network is taking advantage of this technology and its capability to help find the services that prisoners and ex-offenders need to succeed as they try to re-enter society again.

###