Students, faculty, and staff at Temple University's College of Public Health stepped into a powerful simulation to better understand the challenges faced when returning to society after incarceration. In collaboration with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, this prison re-entry simulation gave participants a firsthand look at the daily obstacles formerly incarcerated individuals encounter—like limited resources, complex systems, and lack of support.
Understanding Re-Entry Challenges Through Immersive Simulation
The re-entry simulation, initially developed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, aimed to illustrate the barriers faced by returning citizens, including accessing housing, finding employment, and securing necessities. Each participant assumed a fictitious identity and was tasked with completing weekly responsibilities such as paying bills, attending probation meetings, and finding a job. The simulation was divided into four 15-minute segments, each representing a week of life post-release.
Simulation stations, ranging from the “Identification Station” to the “Career Center” and “Probation,” represented the various services and obligations that individuals encounter. Participants faced constraints such as limited funds, time pressures, and the requirement to show identification at each step, mirroring real-world hurdles. “I finally got out; my wallet was missing my transportation cards and my ID, so I couldn’t really do anything—it was kind of just walking around,” shared one participant, expressing frustration with their inability to get started due to missing essential items.
Another participant commented on the struggle of needing transportation tickets to access services: “Knowing where to go next was the toughest thing...I have to make sure this gets done next week, but how am I supposed to get places with no tickets?” This experience highlighted the constant trade-offs and challenges of balancing basic needs with limited resources. Echoing these sentiments, another added, “You’re saying you want to help people, but you’re not even giving them access. So it’s a waste of time and money,” acknowledging the irony of having services available yet inaccessible due to bureaucratic obstacles.
Real-Life Consequences and Community Impact
Ra'Shaun Gass, Temple University’s Community Engagement Manager, underscored the authenticity of the experience, saying, “I think this re-entry simulation was a great way to show the barriers one goes through after being incarcerated. Coming home with no valid identification, no job, money, or support system can steer one to take a ‘chance’ with illegal activities to survive. If you don’t pay your rent, you’ll get evicted. If you don’t buy food, you’ll starve. Miss an appointment with your parole/probation officer, you may go back to jail. I’ve experienced it in real life, the simulation is the real deal.” Gass’ perspective brought a powerful, firsthand insight into the often-overlooked difficulties faced by returning citizens, emphasizing the stakes involved in each decision post-release.
The barriers experienced in the simulation reflect real challenges in Pennsylvania. According to recent statistics, the state has a recidivism rate of 64.7% within three years of release. One participant illustrated this sense of futility, remarking, “Every time I went to go do something, there was nothing there for me...no matter where I went.” Such challenges can contribute to a cycle that places formerly incarcerated individuals at high risk of re-offending simply due to a lack of available support.
Other participants noted the stark contrast between life inside jail and the overwhelming complexity of re-entry, where even the simplest tasks become obstacles. “When we were in jail, we were seated, relaxed, having conversations. But looking out, everyone else seemed stressed out, running from table to table. It was almost easier being in jail,” reflected one participant, highlighting the unexpected calmness within confinement compared to the stress of re-entering society.
Debrief and Reflection
Following the simulation, participants joined a guided discussion to reflect on their experiences. Many shared a newfound empathy for returning citizens and voiced concerns about the limited support systems available to those re-entering society. Dean Jennifer Ibrahim remarked, “This exercise is not just about understanding the process; it’s about realizing the human impact of these barriers. Each interaction in the simulation showed how even small obstacles could prevent someone from achieving stability post-incarceration.”
A recurring theme during the debrief was the challenge of adjusting to a world that has changed significantly during incarceration. “Imagine being incarcerated for however many years, and then coming out 2, 3, 5, 10, even 25 years later. The world has changed, and it’s completely different from the one you knew,” one participant reflected, highlighting how returning citizens are often forced to navigate both personal challenges and a society that feels unfamiliar.
Inspiring Positive Change
The simulation reinforced the importance of supportive re-entry programs and policies. By experiencing these struggles firsthand, Temple students, faculty, and staff can feel better equipped to advocate for informed changes in public health and criminal justice policy. “This is a reminder that there are places that are designed to help, but it’s just hard to get to them,” noted one participant, emphasizing the need for re-entry services that are genuinely accessible.
For participants, this event was a call to action, inspiring them to work toward a more supportive, equitable system for returning citizens.
Looking Ahead
Temple University’s College of Public Health aims to make this re-entry simulation an annual event, fostering ongoing dialogue about criminal justice reform and public health. As part of its mission, Temple continues to partner with local organizations to address the complex challenges faced by returning citizens and create pathways to successful reintegration into society.
This simulation was a powerful reminder of the College’s commitment to empathy, understanding, and change—and to making Philadelphia a supportive community for all residents.