Justice-Informed Financial Literacy is financial education tailored to individuals who have involvement with the criminal justice system. Incarceration can have lasting effects beyond just the time people spend inside correctional facilities. The opportunity cost of lost earnings, employment challenges, and legal fees stunts financial growth. This, in tandem with the intersectionality of poverty and crime, evaporates an already razor-thin margin for financial error for many individuals. Understanding these challenges is vital to addressing the role that money and financial knowledge play in an individual's likelihood to commit a criminal act. Many correctional facilities, non-profits, and community organizations do an excellent job investing in the workforce development and social-emotional learning of returning citizens. Unfortunately, financial education is often an afterthought. We at BeRe want to change that. Justice-Informed Financial Literacy is the bridge between social-emotional learning and workforce development, making both more effective.

It is wonderful to teach someone a useful skill like a skilled trade. Doing so will give an individual a skill they can leverage into income. However, without knowledge of essential financial topics like budgeting, credit, and banking, individuals can still find themselves in financial trouble. As anyone who has ever had financial difficulties can attest, financial stress can be incredibly difficult to deal with socially and emotionally. So, by investing in Justice Informed Financial Literacy, we can equip returning citizens with another vital tool to prevent recidivism. By providing comprehensive financial education, we empower individuals to make informed decisions that can lead to sustainable economic stability. This education goes beyond just numbers; it's about fostering a mindset of financial independence and resilience. When returning citizens are equipped with the tools to manage their finances effectively, they are less likely to fall into cycles of debt or make choices that could lead them back to incarceration.

In conclusion, by prioritizing Justice-Informed Financial Literacy, we are not just teaching financial skills; we are fostering empowerment, reducing recidivism, and promoting a cycle of success that benefits individuals, families, and society as a whole. It's a crucial investment in the future of those who have been involved with the criminal justice system, offering hope and tangible pathways to a brighter, more independent future.