Self-Employment is the Answer

I think that in some cases, self-employment is the only answer.  What happens when people are released from prison and cannot find a job no matter how hard they try?  Do we want them to return to a life of crime?  Who would benefit from that outcome?  The criminal justice system gets their client base constant while providing stable employment for its employees.  I am not saying that a plot is in force, but it just makes no sense to release people back into the community without a plan for their success.  The American way is for a person to work and pay their own way.  However, if you are denied that opportunity, what does that say about the values in this country?  Work accomplishes more than just providing money on which to survive.  It also gives you a reason to get up in the morning, to be on a schedule, to be accountable to something and to keep you too busy to get involved in questionable activities. 
These days many companies do not hire those convicted of crimes.  As a result the outcome for convicted felons is bleak.  I saw a show on TV that documented the problems that a released felon had when trying to find work after being behind bars for 10 years.  With numerous doors slammed in his face, he finally decided to use his passion to start a business.  He happened to be a fitness devotee and got himself certified as a personal trainer.  This step made it possible for him to get clients needing his services and gave him hope for his future.
More ex-felons may have to go the self-employment route, if they cannot find work.  It cannot be an option for them to remain idle because society wants to continue punishing them for their crimes.  Self employment is the answer for ex-felons as well as any other group that cannot be easily employed.