The Arkansas Department of Corrections headquarters in North Little Rock on Dec. 14, 2025. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)
Violet White’s experience in the Arkansas Department of Corrections taught her what helps — and what doesn’t help — formerly incarcerated people try to get their lives back on track.
At one point in her 17 years as an agency employee, White worked on a grant-funded program to help people acclimate to life outside prison. Having only about 30 cases meant she could spend enough time with people to get to know their wants and needs, which helps prevent them from reoffending, she said.
“You know their mom. You know their brother. You know where they live, where they work. You know all these things, and you can actually use your tools and the things that you have to try to help them do better,” said White, who left the corrections department in 2024. “But when you have 200 people, or even 150 people, which is not abnormal … you get 10 to 15 minutes with them to come in [and say], ‘Hey, how are you doing? Are you still working? Where are you living? Alright, see you in a month.’”…