UACES Facebook Hot Spring County Hosts Re-Entry Simulation
skip to main content

Hot Spring County Hosts Re-Entry Simulation

by Kristin Higgins - June 7, 2024

Collage of re-entry simulation participants
Hot Spring County was the latest county to host the Arkansas Re-Entry Simulation to give people an idea of the challenges or obstacles people face when going home after incarceration.

More than two dozen people participated in the May 17 simulation facilitated by Kristin Higgins of the Public Policy Center. Jessica Rodriguez, the county's FCS agent, organized the event by inviting station volunteers and participants.
 
The simulation involves participants receiving an identity of someone released from prison and a series of tasks to complete over four 15-minute "weeks."
 
Transportation was  more important that most participants realized. Although there is some public transportation in the county, participants discovered most resources are located in the next county over. 
 
What Participants Said
 
  • "This was a great simulation. This was very true to life for what offenders actually experience," one participant wrote on their evaluation.
 
  • "There were a few things I had not taken into consideration. In this simulation, they could skip food. That could not be done in real life," another participant wrote.

  • "Participants inability to determine what to do first - means that we need to add that to our information given to students," one station volunteer wrote.
About the Simulation
For the remainder of the year, the Public Policy Center is available on Mondays and Fridays to host simulations. Contact Kristin Higgins at khiggins@uada.edu for more information about the simulation. 
 
The simulation is not meant to objectify people or minimize trauma. Our goal is to create awareness and education for the public through role playing and discussion about community attitudes and needs.
Photo caption: A collage of images from the May Arkansas Re-Entry Simulation in Hot Spring County.
Top