The Lost Years: How Incarceration Stalls Growth

Imagine being locked away during the years you’re supposed to learn, grow, and explore who you are. For those incarcerated, time doesn’t just stand still — it leaves scars. Young adults, like Jasmine, often enter prison at the critical stage of life, only to leave years later feeling frozen in time.

At 19, Jasmine was sentenced to 10 years for a nonviolent drug offense. By the time she was released, the world moved on — technology, relationships, even the way people spoke. “I felt like an alien,” Jasmine shared. She didn’t know how to use a smartphone, apply for jobs online, or even open a bank account. Jasmine’s story isn’t unique; incarceration disrupts education career development, and social skills.

To combat this, reentry programs must focus on more than just employment — they must address emotional and developmental gaps. Every person deserves the chance to restart their lives, no matter how long they’ve been paused.